Tips from Denver Public Health Inspection on how to keep your home safe from a Bed Bug infestation.
The night time saying, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite” has new meaning as the reality of bed bugs reaches Denver. The first step in combating these small, red/brown insects is detection. A bed bug infection can cause itchy, red bite marks, loss of sleep, and potentially the destruction of property.
To minimize any potential damage it is important to be informed about bed bugs, know how to tell if you have bed bugs, and be aware of what to do if you discover you have an infestation.
Important facts about bed bugs.
- Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases.
- The number one cause of bed bug infestations is bringing an item that contains bed bugs into a dwelling. this can be used furniture, donated clothing, lugage, back packs, etc.
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One fertilized female can lay 500 eggs in her lifetime.
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Bed bugs like to hide, so thoroughly search any item before bringing it into your home.
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Adult bed bugs are red or brown and 6mm long (about the size of an apple seed); new born nymphs are 1mm long and translucent.
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Bed bugs feed on blood and can often cause swelling and itching where they bite. The itching and swelling are an alergic reaction tot he bugs saliva. This reaction can happen quickly or take a few days to appear making it hard to know when you were biten.
How to tell if you have bed bugs.
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During the night bed bugs can be crushed as a person tosses and turns, blood spots on sheets and pillowcases are a sign of bed bugs.
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Tiny black spots are also a sign of bed bugs; these are excrement stains.
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Bed bugs like to hide, so when looking for them inspect dark, isolated, and protected areas. These areas include mattresses, box springs, bed frames, head boards, couches, clothes, drawers, picture frames, books, and curtains.
What to do if you discover you have bed bugs.
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A detailed vacuuming can help remove the pests before they become a problem; a fine particle filter or bag should be used to avoid nymphs and eggs from escaping.
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Washing clothes and bed linens in HOT water followed by high heat drying for 20 minutes should kill the bugs and any eggs. Pillows and stuffed animal toys can be placed in the dryer if washing isn't possible.
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Clutter should be minimized as much as possible; eliminating the hiding places
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Infested items should be marked when thrown away to avoid the spread of the infestation.