Bed Bugs Fact Sheet
What are bed bugs?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, bed bugs pose little health
risk. Bed bugs are not effective carriers of disease. Generally, the most that is likely to occur
when a person is bitten by a bed bug is inflammation associated with their bites due to allergic reactions to components in their saliva. Bed bugs possess stink glands and emit a distinctive odor (it is said to resemble the aroma of rotten raspberries and moldy shoes); homes or motel/hotel rooms with heavy infestations may have this odor. Bed bugs are about ¼ to ⅓ inch in length.
Most preventative procedures in private residences are common sense hygienic suggestions:
- Wash bedding regularly with hot water. Bedding can also be left outdoors on warm or
extremely cold days to kill bed bugs. - Vacuum bedding, curtains, cushions and furniture regularly.
- Don’t bring discarded mattresses, bedding and upholstered furniture into your home.
Thoroughly inspect any used items you bring in your home. - Repair any cracks in flooring and walls.
- If you think you have bed bugs on clothing, remove items and place in a plastic bag until
you can wash the clothing. Wash and dry clothing on highest allowable setting for fabric
or discard. - When traveling, inspect bedding, couches and other upholstered furniture and avoid if
signs of bed bugs are present. Visible small blood stains and bug feces can indicate
infestation. Store suitcases off of the ground. - Contact a licensed pest control company for infestation.
For additional information and pictures regarding bed bugs go to ‐ http://www.cdc.gov/.
THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED AS A COURTESY BY ALL OUT PEST CONTROL