Category Archives: Bed Bugs Indiana

As students arrive on college campuses nationwide this fall, Terminix announced its 2021 ranking of the top 50 most bed bug-infested cities in the country.

As students and parents have arrived on college campuses nationwide this fall, some additional annoying and uninvited roommates may also be taking up residence in dormitories. Bed bugs spread easily by hitching rides on luggage, backpacks and clothing, and can crawl through cracks in the walls, making common spaces of dorm living extremely vulnerable to infestations.

The top five cities on this years most infested list include Los Angeles claiming the top spot, followed by Cleveland, Philadelphia, Detroit and New York City. Thirteen states had more than one city on the list, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

Terminix based its rankings on the number of requests received from each city in 2021*. The top 50 cities for bed bug infestations in the United States are:

A few ways to identify the presence of bed bugs include small blood smears on your sheets, a musty odor, reddish-brown blood spots on your mattress, and bed bugs themselves. In dorm rooms, they tend to live in dressers, clothes, floorboards, couches and mattresses. When fully grown, bed bugs resemble the size, shape and color of an apple seed; however, students should also be on the lookout for recently hatched, cream-colored bed bugs (nymphs) hiding in their fitted sheets.

How to Protect Against Bed Bugs on Campus

Here are a few simple protective measures to help prevent the spread of bed bugs when moving onto campuses:

If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your dorm room, ask your university to contact a professional bed bug exterminator immediately. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate, and college RAs are rarely equipped to handle infestations. Without the help of a professional, bed bugs can hide and survive in a home, apartment or dorm room for months.

*This ranking was created by compiling bed bug-specific data of customer interest from Terminix branches across the country. The rankings represent Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with the most leads received between January 1, 2021 and August 20, 2021.

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2021 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities in U.S. | Terminix

Leaving itchy bite marks on your skin, the thought of these bugs feeding on your flesh at night can creep anybody out. One plant-based essential oil could ward them off.

Known as Cimex Lectularius, according to Pest Smart Control, bed bugs can range from 1mm to 7mm in size.

Notoriously difficult to see, they can hide in the nooks and crannies of a mattress.

One of the best essential oils to deter bed bugs from settling in your bedroom is lemongrass.

Belonging to a small evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia, lemongrass has a citrusy aroma bed bugs can't stand.

Take advantage of lemongrass essential oil by adding a few drops into your washing detergent.

This will help to clear any infestation from your bedding, although there's another technique to get rid of them from your mattress.

Using lemongrass essential oil, mix a few drops with 30ml of water and use this to spray your bedding and mattress.

READ MORE:Bedbugs warning: Possible sounds and smells warning you may be at risk of an infestation

Make sure not to use lemongrass essential oil directly onto your skin, as its high acidity levels will lead to irritation.

Whenever using essential oils, it's best practice to dilute them - not only will they freshen up your home, they will help keep bed bugs at bay.

Other essential oils that can be useful in deterring bed bugs include tea tree, lavender and lemon.

This way, you can choose the fragrance most appealing to you when clearing your home of bed bugs.

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The experts at Pest Smart Control added: "They may not rid the bed bugs instantly, but it is often effective after a couple of tries.

"Not to mention you can bring the beautiful smells of nature into your home at the same time without toxic chemicals."

Entomologist Ameya Gondhalekar from Purdue University, Indiana, USA, identified lemongrass as one of the most effective essential oils for bed bug control.

Published in the journal Scientific Reports, Gondhalekar commented on his findings: "Since bed bugs are found on beds and sofas, people want chemicals that are safe for humans.

"With [lemongrass] essential oils, its compounds are considered to be a low-risk option for bed bug control."

Lemongrass was proven effective to kill bed bugs upon application, but a multidisciplinary approach to eliminate the pests is encouraged.

WebMD suggests using a stiff brush to scrub the mattress seams, and then vacuum the mattress and surrounding areas.

Make sure to place the contents of the vacuum in a bin bag, and to remove the bin bag from the house immediately.

Bed bugs can survive for up to a year without feeding, so it may take a while to discover you have an infestation.

Signs include bed bug faecal material, eggs shells or shed skins where bed bugs hide.

If the infestation is particularly large in numbers, a musty odour will be apparent.

This scent is from the bugs' scent glands, with large numbers needed in order to detect the smell.

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Bed bugs: A home remedy could deter the creepy crawlies from infesting your home - Express

As bed bug infestations become more common in Columbus and Bloomington, Indiana, landlords should pay special attention to their properties. According to the 2015 Bugs without Borders survey, rental units and condominiums remain the most common places for bed bugs to take up residence. And Indiana state law requires landlords to deliver their premises to tenants in habitable condition. Federal law also requires agents and owners of HUD housing maintain their premises in a decent, safe, sanitary condition. This means if bed bugs, rodents, or other pests invade your property, the propertys owner needs to address it.

Indiana state code IC 32-31-8-5 states A landlord shall do the following: (1) Deliver the rental premises to a tenant in compliance with the rental agreement, and in a safe, clean, and habitable condition. Notice the word deliver. In Indiana, state law does not require landlords to keep their tenants properties in habitable condition; it only requires that landlords deliver their premises in such condition. If a bed bug or other infestation occurs, the landlord is therefore not responsible for eradicating the pests if its stated in the rental agreement that the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property. If, for some reason, the landlord introduced the pests, the responsibility for killing the pests would, of course, fall on the landlord.

For single-tenant rentals, distinguishing who introduced the bed bugs is fairly easy. If there were no bed bugs before a tenant arrived and a year or more later bed bugs infested the premises, its logical to conclude the tenant introduced the pest. However, for multiple-unit rentals, figuring out who introduced a pest becomes problematic.

In multi-unit rentals, tenants are continually coming and going. It can be difficult to pin down who introduced a pest and when. If the landlord cannot prove that an individual tenant introduced bed bugs, it might very well fall on the landlord to hire a professional to kill the pests.

Killing bed bugs in a multi-unit facility without bickering over who introduced them is a good practice, anyway. As a landlord, you do not want a bed bug infestation spreading. An infestation will drive tenants out, and rumor might keep new tenants from moving in, even if the bed bugs are treated.

Landlords will also likely be responsible for paying to destroy bed bugs if there has been a history of bed bugs in a given unit, even if it is a single-tenant dwelling. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to kill, and they have been growing resistant to insecticides. Sometimes it takes multiple treatments to eradicate a bed bug population.

For these reasons, its important to contact a pest control expert if you suspect an infestation. Professionals know how to identify bed bugs, and they can identify which treatment option will best kill pests in your property.

Federal regulations require more of owners and agents of HUD housing than does the Indiana State Code of landlords. In a 2012 notice, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Housing Carol J. Galante informed HUD owners and agents of their responsibility to treat bed bug infestations.

Notice H 2012-5 states:

Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 5, Subpart G, HUD housing must be decent, safe, sanitary and in good repair. Owners of HUD-insured or assisted housing must maintain such housing in a manner that meets physical condition standards. In accordance with project Regulatory Agreements and Section 8 HAP Contracts, the housing must have no evidence of infestation.

HUD owners are therefore required to take care of bed bug or other pest infestations. This, however, does not necessarily mean that the owner-agent must always foot the bill for extermination. The requirements simply put urgency on addressing the infestation. Who pays for the pest control service is determined by who introduced the pest. As mentioned, it can be difficult to determine who introduced bed bugs in multifamily units.

Because bed bugs are spreading, the notice suggests that HUD owners and agents create an integrated pest management (IPM) plan to prevent infestations before they begin. An IPM plan includes steps to educate tenants, stop infestations before they occur, respond to possible infestations, and following up on treatments.

Many pest control companies also offer pest protection plans, which HUD owners might want to consider. These plans involve regularly scheduled inspections and service, which can prevent infestations before they arise.

Photo courtesy of John Benson, Moving Out.

Addressing bed bug infestations is important because ramifications for ignoring an issue can be severe. For example, tenants might withhold or reduce their rent payment if a landlord does not respond in adequate time. They may also go ahead and hire outside company to conduct service and then deduct the cost from their rent.

Worse, the tenant might contact local authorities if you do not respond in a timely manner. If inspectors then come and find an infestation, they can issue an order for you to fix the problem and penalize your company. Worse, if the problem is pervasive and disturbs tenants ability to live in the building, the tenant can legally move out without notice. At that point, they might file a lawsuit.

When your tenant says, bed bugs, its important to respond without delay. Figure out later who will pay the bill. Protect your property and keep your tenants happy by killing bed bugs before they spread.

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Rentals, HUD, and Laws About Bed Bug Treatment - Yes Pest ...

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So there I was on nightshift working remotely from the hotel. The night had been long and I needed a nap to resume my duties and be fresh. Right as I made my way to the bed I saw a black dot on the be...

Checked in 1/15/2016 @ 9:30pm. An hour later my son was sitting on the sofa and saw something crawling on the arm of the sofa, we picked it up and examined it, confirmed it was a bed bug. We instantly...

Checked in at 11pm and were out off there by 2 am. The hotel room was old and the bedding was old and dated. Saw two bed bugs crawling on bed. Took photo and video. The hotel staff didn't do anythin...

We stayed here from July 30 to Aug 5th. At first I thought it was mosquitos in the evening while I out and about in Indy, but than I knew because I only felt the bites a short time after waking in th...

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis on May 22nd, 2017 in room 1621. I woke up in the middle of the night with two severe (bright red and hurtful) bites on my back. I didn't think of anything ba...

My stay was in December 14, 2015 for a week and the Hyatt was definitely impressive because it's a business center inside as well. Room I was upgraded to was nice once I checked in. Next morning I g...

Found a bed bug on my pillow at 6am. Squished it - blood on the pillow case. Found bites on my neck. Checked out ASAP. Told front desk. They comped the room (1night) cancelled the rest of my stay (...

7/18...Reported, they sent someone to look, said must of been previous...found dead bugs and blood stains, only offered half off....ridiculous...

7/29/17 6:15 pm Checked headboard first in room 313. Had many bedbugs in cracks. Went immediately to front desk and checked out. They offered another room but we declined...

Early Sunday morning around 6 am I found a bed bug crawling on one of the Queen sized beds. I captured it and took it to the front desk. The gentleman at the front desk looked at it and said..oh, sorr...

We were getting ready to head down for breakfast in the morning at 6 am....we saw a bed bug crawling on the top of the sheet on one of the Queen sized beds...I captured it and took it to the gentleman...

I saw a bug in my bathtub, took a look at it and was sure it was a bedbug. I put it down the toilet, and immediately told the hotel staff. They called in an exterminator, who confirmed that the room ...

As a disclaimer, the staff was very polite and accommodating to our needs throughout the whole stay. I requested a new room, because the dust and dirt in the first room was so overwhelming that my al...

I checked into my room around 7pm on May 17th, 2015.I then dropped my luggage off and left to run errands. When I returned. I showered, then sat on the bed to watch TV. Around 11pm I turned down the b...

My son woke up covered in red welts. The manager insists they do not have a problem. I found online other people having the same experience at this place. My son has bites on his face and neck fron...

We stayed in this hotel overnight on 6/26/2016. I went to get in the shower after sleeping on the fold out couch, and when I took off my shirt I found a bed bug on my chest. I killed it and woke up ...

Hotel looked clean upon inspection, but two hours later we found a bed bug crawling on the bed. Told staff and we were basically ignored. Also found one downstairs in lobby area on couch it was dead,...

I was staying in the candle wood hotel in Indianapolis for business and Im out of state. While in room 222 on 12/26/17 I felt something crawling on my arm. Turn the lights on and it was a bed bug. An...

I woke up in the middle of the night to see bed bugs. I counted at least 4 bugs visible to the eye, without actively searching. Management moved me to another hotel. However, throughout the entire pro...

We stayed in room 601 with our 2 year old daughter for two nights in April of 2019. The first night I received a bite on my right leg but thought it must have come from elsewhere. The second night how...

My husband awoke from a nap and a BED BUG was crawling on his shoulder on 9/30/17 at 7:37pm!!! He brought it to our attention and we took it downstairs in a cup. The front desk acted like this has hap...

Bugs found 6/12/15, son suffered over 30 bites. Manager informed and saw actual bugs for himself. Moved to new room....

Visited in June of 2019. Checked for bugs via typical inspection methods. Woke up itching. Found 2 bed bugs on pillowcase; killed one and put other in bag for inspection assistance. Completed further ...

We noticed 4 big bed bugs we informed the manager Ali he was very rude and disrespectful I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone it's nasty and totally unsafe unsanitary...

Stayed here check in was Thursday 04/11/2019 got in room and we smelled a strong bug spray smell upon entry we werent sure why when asked front desk they said it possibly pool as our room was acros...

January 14th 2017 My Grandma moved in here 3 months ago and never had issues with bed bugs before. Now grandma has huge red spots all over her. She told management and they told her that she had ove...

I have lived here since March and since then we have seen many trucks, more recently. I have spoken to a few neighbors and one has had to get her apartment fumigated 3 times in a year because of bed b...

As stated by the previous commenter there is something in the lease that puts all responsibility on to the tenant because they know about the infestation but refuse to address it which creates a bigge...

This is twice in 6 years i have had bed bugs. 2010 and 2015. The first time the adjacent apartment was infested n the tenants moved out without notifying office. It was not exterminated. They moved a ...

I checked in on 1/4/16 and found a live bed bug on 1/7/16. The manager confirmed they had found a bed bug in my room 166, she called me later to inform me the exterminator had found several more in my...

Bed bed crawled on me as I awoke and after a shower I found one crawling up the comforter - I put the bed in a cup and reported to the front desk - verified it was two bed bugs...

BED BUGS Holiday Inn Express Indianapolis-Southeast I had reservations for the Holiday Inn Express Indianapolis-Southeast on Sat, May 16th 2015. We arrived in the late afternoon, checked in, and we...

The room I stayed in was infested with bed bugs, life, and fleas. Do not ever stay there. absolutely the worst place ever....

My baby daddy and I rented the motel for a week. Which costs us $180. $170 for the week and a $10 key deposit. There was no remote to the tv. The phone didn't work and we believe someone had came in ...

Bed bugs in room.manager refused to move us to another room.they actually said sleep with the lights on and they won't bites...

I was staying in a room where I found 1 bed bug in the bathtub. They had treated the room twice the week before. They moved us to a different room and gave me quarters to use the washer and dryer....

Bed bug was discovered in bathroom on towel. Adult non fed. Found before leaving in morning. Brought bug to front desk and they did nothing. Acted like it wasn't a bed bug. ...

We stayed there last night and woke up this morning, while I was sitting on our bed with my baby I saw a bug crawl across the bed. My husband trapped it in a cup and took a picture of it. Then he we...

We stayed at the Comfort Stay Inn April 22-23. We were in town for a baseball tournament and had no choice of where to stay. We were in room 205. We woke up after the first night to find a bug crawlin...

My daughter and her boyfriends apartment is infested with bed bugs and they are not in any hurry to help resolve the problem. They had to throw away their bed and living room furniture and have no wh...

On November 3- 5th me and several coworkers were staying at this hotel. We had heard of prior bed bug issues from other coworkers but still stayed at the hotel. When we actually witnessed bed bugs in ...

I know for a fact that there are more than 10 rooms out of order because management/owners will not pay for the professional services. They are putting employees and guests in a health danger to save ...

I phoned the leasing office to have the uncomfortable conversation about finding bedbugs in my unit. I asked if any other tenants reported a bedbug issue and was told, "I can only see your account on ...

We stayed at this hotel as a team for a volleyball tournament 3/31-4/2 and at least 3 rooms were infested. Management tried their best to relocate families to other rooms and offer refunds, etc. Not g...

6/14 @ 6:14 am I was awakened due to itching. I turn on the light and see bedbugs all in the bed. Plus there's a hole in the wall with a small infestation of them. Management has been notified on seve...

3/17/19 Checked into hotel, when we pulled sheets back there was blood on pillow case and on sheets. It was around 10 pm when we realized it. So they brought us new sheets, that I had to put on. The ...

Recommended tips after hotel check-in: 1. Pick up the mattresses in the rooms and look under it. Check around the edges of the box springs. 2. Check under the box spring. 3. Lift up each headboard an lie it on the bed. Carefully inspect the hole where the headboard was lifted out of. Also, inspect all niches and corners of the headboard. 4. If you decide to stay in the hotel, do not put any clothes in dressers. Keep them in your luggage and your dirty clothes in plastic bags.

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Indianapolis, Indiana Bed Bug Reports

If you are concerned you have a bed bug infestation, look for physical signs of their presence. Bed bugs love to hide in small, dark spaces and typically come out to feed (generally on human blood) after dark although they will come out in daylight if hungry enough. The Environmental Protection Agency states that indications of an infestation can include seeing shed exoskeletons of bed bugs, rusty spots on your bedding (which are either bug droppings or bloodstains), live bed bugs, bed bug egg casings, a sweet and musty odor (if the infestation is severe), and evidence of bites on your skin.

To spot bed bugs, look in and along mattress seams and bedding, in curtain and furniture folds, inside cracks or crevices in the walls, behind picture frames and mirrors, under loose wallpaper seams, on recently used luggage or backpacks, inside electronics, and inside clothing or cluttered areas such as closets. If you see signs of bed bugs, be careful not to disturb them too much as you dont want them scattering to other parts of your house.

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The 10 Best Bed Bug Exterminators in Indianapolis, IN 2020