Bed Bugs
City of Cincinnati Establishes Bed-Bug Furniture Pick-Up Procedures and Hotline - click here to see this document
Hotline Phone Number to ask questions - 513-591-6000
To most people, Sleep tight; don't let the bedbugs bite is just some old saying- but not anymore. It's been fifty years but these blood-sucking creatures are back and no one is safe. Bedbugs are turning up everywhere, from expensive apartments to exclusive hotels to hospitals and city shelters. Just pick up a newspaper and chances are you can find an article on bedbugs.
Bedbugs are paper thin; the size of a pencil eraser; can survive up to one year without feeding and multiply rapidly. They feed on the blood of humans, attacking at night. A bedbug will feed for five to ten minutes and then crawl away to digest its meal for the next few days. Not only do they hide in the crevices of beds, they can hide in headboards, footboards, behind pictures, in light sockets, radiators, clothing and more. Once you've got them, they are hard to get rid of but these tips can help you deal with this menacing problem.
Top 10 Tips for Dealing with Bed Bugs
1. Check possible hiding places Bed bugs don't just hide in beds. Look for them in:
- Seams, creases, tufts and folds of mattresses and box springs
- Cracks in bed frames and head boards
- Underneath chairs, couches, beds and dust covers
- Between the cushions of upholstered furniture
- Underneath area rugs and the edges of carpets
- Between the folds of drapery and curtains
- In the drawers of nightstands, dressers, etc.
- Behind baseboards
- Around doors and window casings
- Behind electrical switch plates
- Under loose wallpaper, paintings, posters, etc.
- In cracks in plaster
- In telephones, radios and clocks
2. Vacuum every day
Vacuuming is an effective way to not only remove bed bugs but to remove the dirt that offers them shelter. Vacuum each area thoroughly. Turn mattresses, box springs and furniture in all directions, covering the entire surface area. Pay special attention to creases, folds, seams and around tufts and buttons. Also vacuum furniture, floors, baseboards and wherever you find bed bugs. Empty your vacuum when you are done. You may place the vacuum bag in the freezer for at least 24 hours before disposing of it to kill the bugs.
3. Launder your bed linens
Bed bugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Wash your linens in hot water. If you are afraid that will ruin your linens, wash them in the hottest temperature possible and throw them into a hot dryer (140o F) for 20 minutes. This includes all linens, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, bed skirts and blankets. Steam cleaning is another method you can use if done properly. Any article of fabric can be saved with either extreme heat or extreme freezing. So don't be afraid to toss your favorite sweater in the freezer for a day.
4. Move the bed
Move your bed away from the walls and make sure nothing touches the floor. Bed bugs can only crawl so make it as difficult as possible for them to get to you. You can also use a mattress cover that zippers all around the mattress.
5. Seal up any holes
Inspect every aspect of your home and caulk up any crevices you find, no matter how small. If you find damage to furniture you may want to consult with a furniture expert. Don't give a bed bug any possible place to live so seal up everything. Repair peeling wallpaper and tighten loose light switch plates.
6. Cover those pipes
Bed bugs travel along routes created by any kind of pipes or electrical conduits so it is important to seal any openings where pipes or wires enter your home.
7. Inspect new furniture
Before bringing furniture inside, inspect it carefully. Even if that sofa is new, it doesn't mean the truck it was on didn't have bed bugs.
8. Use your nose
When a room is infested with bed bugs it may have a pungent, sickly-sweet odor that smells a lot like raspberries.
9. Pesticides
There are many new, improved and less harmful pesticides on the market today, but it is best to consult with a pest control specialist to determine the best way to get rid of bed bugs.
10. Traveling
Even the best hotels can be breeding grounds for bed bugs. When traveling, check your room for signs of bed bugs such as blood stains on the pillows or linens. Inspect mattress seams, look behind headboards and pictures. If you don't see anything, you should be in the clear. If you suspect you may have brought bed bugs home, place infected items in the dryer or freezer.
Bed bugs are difficult to get rid and your best bet is to hire a pest control specialist. However, these tips can help increase your odds of winning the battle against bed bugs. Just remember to inspect, clean and use extreme temperatures.
Additonal Tips:
Infested Home/Apartment Visit:
* take in only the minimum amount of personal belongings - just what you need
* before and after entering or leaving the space, spray your shoes with alcohol. This will kill bugs on contact. Be advised that you should test the effects of the alcohol on your shoes in an unseen spot to make sure there is no discoloration.
* avoid sitting down and brushing up against furniture
* try to meet with the person in a space that they do not typically sleep in or where there is a minimum of carpet or cloth furniture
* if you must take in items for a visit, put them in a sealed, plastic bag before entering. Throw the bag away immediately after leaving.
Vehicles:
* Bed bugs can not survive high temperatures. Leaving the windows of your car rolled up on a warm day will kill any bed bugs.
* The Cinti PD uses plastic seat covers which makes the bed bugs more visible and allows for easier spraying.
Offices:
* People with known infestations should be educated on how to get rid of the bugs.
* Any personal belongings should be put in sealed plastic bags.
* Try to seat people in plastic or vinyl chairs
Avoid bringing bed bugs home with you:
* Again...high temps are the most effective ways of killing bed bugs. Washing items in hot water is very effective. Even putting shoes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes will kill bugs (be careful not to melt shoes).
* Never bring home any furniture from "the curb". Always check second hand furniture very carefully before purchasing.
* Buy plastic (not cloth) mattress and box spring covers for your bed.
* Always check hotel/motel rooms carefully. Remove the bedding and check around the mattress. Never put your clothing in dressers or store suitcases under the bed.
Insect repellents do not work with bed bugs nor do various baits and traps. Alcohol is the best way to kill them but it must be on contact. It has very little residual effect so reapplication is a must.