BED BUGS

Once a common household insect and pest around the world, bed bugs were basically eradicated in the United States following World War II. The use of certain chemicals and pesticides greatly reduced their presence in our households. However, a number of factors have led to their resurgence in this country: Many of the chemicals that were used have been found to be harmful to humans, even cancer-causing, and they are no longer in use. Also, increased international travel has allowed bed bugs to be transported to the United States from parts of the world where they are still endemic. And now, after years of absence, bed bugs seem to be a new nuisance, one which we are not familiar with, and one that we are not capable of controlling. Add to that the fact that treating infestations can be very expensive, and you have a significant challenge in controlling bed bug populations. Calls to the health district concerning bed bugs are becoming common. The purpose of this page is to inform and educate the citizens of Ross County. The health district does not have enforcement authority over private homes, nor in the schools. Bed bugs are not thought to carry disease, thus they are not considered a direct threat to human and public health.

ABOUT BED BUGS: Bed bugs are brownish in color, about 1/4 inch long, and flat, which allows them to hide in very small spaces, usually near a person's bed or sleeping place. They feed at night and hide during the daytime. While their bite itself isn't dangerous, the bites can become infected, especially if itching and scratching takes place. Bites usually appear in a semi-straight line, and can appear anywhere on the body, depending on whether a person sleeps on their back, front, or side. Bed bugs inject an anesthetic so that the person being bitten will not feel it.

TREATING FOR BED BUGS: The Ross County Health District recommends against self-treating for bed bugs. Such chemicals are harmful to human health, especially that of children, and self-treatment usually will not work. The best method for getting rid of bed bugs is to call a professional exterminator. The best way to fight bed bugs is to not allow them in your home.

RESOURCES: There are a number of Websites with helpful information concerning bed bugs, including ways to avoid them, identification, treatment, etc. The Ross County Health District also has a brochure and has listed a few outside resources as well. Please click below to view the publications, or to visit off-site links.

Travel Tips

Fact Sheet

OSU Extension Fact Sheet

Ross County Health District Brochure

Safer Pest Control Project Fact Sheet

Safer Pest Control Project for Schools & Childcare Centers

Also, here are a couple of links:

Central Ohio Bedbugs

Bed Bug TV