Bed Bugs

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Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually active at night when people are sleeping. Adult bed bugs have flat rusty-red-colored oval bodies. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, they are big enough to be easily seen, but often hide in cracks in furniture, floors, or walls. When bed bugs feed, their bodies swell and become brighter red. They can live for several months without feeding on a host.

Most bed bug bites are initially painless, but later turn into large, itchy skin welts. These welts do not have a red spot in the center as do the bites from fleas.

ARE BED BUGS DANGEROUS? Although bed bugs and their bites are a nuisance, they are not known to spread diseases.

HOW DOES A HOME BECOME INFESTED WITH BED BUGS? In most cases, people carry bed bugs into their homes unknowingly, in infested luggage, furniture, bedding, or clothing. Bed bugs may also travel between apartments through small crevices and cracks in walls and floors.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME IS INFESTED WITH BED BUGS? You may notice itchy skin welts. You may also see the bed bugs themselves, small bloodstains from crushed insects, or dark spots from their droppings. It is often hard to find them because they hide in or near beds, other furniture, and in cracks.

SHOULD I USE A PEST CONTROL COMPANY? The Licking County Health Department recommends that homeowners hire pest control companies licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to control bed bugs.

Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force - Information on Bed Bugs, control, and prevention.

New York City - Preventing and Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely

Licking County - Bed Bug Info

Home Visitor Bed Bug Factsheet