Bed bugs are making a comeback. These small biting insects multiply quickly and travel easily.

• What are bed bugs?
• Where are bed bugs found?
  
  Photo Credit: Piotr Naskrecki
• What do bed bugs feed on?
• How do I know if I have an infestation?
• How do bed bugs get into my home?
• How can bed bugs affect my health?
• What do bed bug bites look like?
• How do I treat bed bug bites?
• How can I remove bed bugs?
• How can I prevent future infestations?
• How can i get a bed bug identified?
• Where can I get more information?

What are bed bugs?

• Adult bed bugs are insects with oval-shaped bodies and no wings.
  • Unfed adults are 6-10 mm long and brown.
  • After feeding, they swell in size and darken to a bloodred colour.
• Eggs are white, pear-shaped and about the size of a pinhead.
  • Clusters of 10-50 eggs can be found in cracks or crevices.
  • Bed bugs have an average of a 1-year life span, during which a female can lay 200-400 eggs. Eggs hatch in about 10 days.
• Bed bugs can live several weeks to a year without feeding.

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Where are bed bugs found?

Bed bugs can be found in:

• hotels
• motels
• dorms
• apartments
• condos
• homes
• even in some public places, such as businesses and offices

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What do bed bugs feed on?

• Bed bugs prefer human blood, but will also bite mammals and birds.
• They bite all over the body, especially around the:
  • face
  • neck
  • torso
  • arms
  • hands
• They bite at night.
• Male and female bed bugs bite.

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How do I know if I have an infestation?

• Bed bugs hide in small locations because of their flattened bodies:
  • under wallpaper
  • behind picture frames
  • in electrical outlets
  • inside box springs
  • mattress pads
  • night tables
• Itchy welts on your skin and/or black or brown spots on mattresses, sheets, bed frames or walls can indicate an infestation.
  • If the infestation is heavy, a sweet smell may be present in the room.
• Bed bugs typically are active only at night, but can be seen anytime especially if a chance to feed occurs.

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How do bed bugs get into my home?

• People now travel more than ever. Bed bugs are often carried into a home on objects such as luggage, furniture, and clothing.
  • Bed bugs do not indicate a lack of cleanliness.
• If you think you have a bed bug problem, check for live bed bugs or shells in the following areas:
  • seams, creases, crevices, tufts and folds of mattresses and box springs
  • cracks in the bed frame and headboard
  • under chairs, couches, beds and dust covers
  • between the cushions of couches and chairs
  • under area rugs and between curtain folds
  • in drawers, telephones, radios/alarm clocks
  • behind baseboards, quarter-rounds, and around window and door casings
• Bed bugs can travel from apartment to apartment along pipes, electrical wiring and other openings.

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How can bed bugs affect my health?

• Bed bugs are not known to transmit infectious diseases to humans.
• Bed bug bites, however, can cause allergic reaction and itchy welts in some people similar to a mosquito bite.
• Allergic sensitivity can increase if exposure is prolonged.
• Frequent scratching or picking the scabs can cause infections.
• Most people are not aware that they have been bitten.
• Others are more sensitive and may have a localized reaction.

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What do bed bug bites look like?

There are 4 possible types of skin rashes:

• Localized red and itchy flat lesions are the most common rash (often in a linear group of 3).
• Small, swollen red lesions (common).
• In rare cases, people may develop large, often itchy, red welts.
• People with a high sensitivity to bed bug saliva may develop a lump filled with blood or fluid.

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How do I treat bed bug bites?

• Most bites go away by themselves and do not need treatment.
  • Keep the skin clean and try not to scratch.
• If bites are itchy, talk to your doctor about prescription creams or antihistamines. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for any secondary skin infection.

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How can I remove bed bugs?

• The best method to remove bed bugs is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines a variety of techniques and products that pose the least risk to human health.
• Here are some suggestions for nonchemical approaches:
  • Vacuum sleeping areas frequently (mattress, furniture, cracks, and crevices).
  • Place vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag (outside) to prevent bed bugs from escaping.
  • Steam clean the carpet after vacuuming to help capture more bed bugs and eggs.
  • All furniture and mattresses that are infested with bed bugs should be discarded.
  • Wash bedding and clothing in hot water.
  • Clean bedroom frequently and avoid clutter.
  • Seal all cracks/crevices/loose wallpaper to reduce shelter space for bed bugs.
• If bed bugs are still present, insecticides may need to be used in conjunction with non-chemical approaches.
  • If you choose to treat the infestation with an insecticide, it is recommended to use a licensed pest control company knowledgeable in eliminating infestations.
  • Use the least toxic product available and follow all manufacturers' instructions.

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How can I prevent future infestations?

To prevent future bed bug problems:

• Purchase a zippered bed encasement (from an allergy supply store) and duct tape the zipper.
• Mattresses can also be sealed in plastic film.
• Be cautious when taking in second-hand furniture, especially beds/bedding (inspect and clean).
• Be cautious when travelling. Inspect hotel rooms and do not place your suitcase on the bed.

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Where can I get more information?

Government of Ontario Resources:

• General Fact Sheet
• Pest Control Info
• Bed Bug Bites
• Bed Bug Myths
• Bed Bug Travel Tips
• Tenant Rights in Ontario Regarding Bed Bugs
• Bed Bugs and Occupational Health
• An Integrated Pest Management Program for Managing Bed Bugs

Some of these resources are available in other languages. Please dial 311 to inquire.