Tips from Denver Public Health Inspection on how to keep your home safe from a Bed Bugs infestation.

The night time saying, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite” has new meaning as the reality of bed bug infestation reaches Denver. The first step in combating these small, red/brown insects is detection. A bed bug infection can cause itchy, red bite marks and the destruction of property.

To minimize the 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 carry diseases.
• The number one cause of bed bug infestations is bringing an item that contains bed bugs into a dwelling.
• One fertilized female can start a local infestation.
• Bed bugs like to hide, so thoroughly search any item before bringing it into your home.
•  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.
• Bed bugs feed on blood and can often cause swelling and itching where they bite.

How to tell if you have bed bugs.

• 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.
• Tiny black spots are also a sign of bed bugs; these are excrement stains.
• Bed bugs like to hide, so when looking for them inspect dark, isolated, and protected areas. These areas include mattresses, box springs, couches, clothes, drawers, picture frames, books, and curtains.

What to do if you discover you have bed bugs.

• First do not be afraid of the unfounded stigma that is often associated with bed bug infestation.
• Finding and reporting the problem is the first steep of control.
• 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.

• Washing clothes, bed linens in HOT water will also kill bed bugs including the hard to kill egg stage. Pillows and stuffed animals can be put in the dryer and treated with high heat for 20 minutes.

• Clutter should be minimized as much as possible.
• Infested items should be marked when thrown away to avoid the spread of the infestation.