Bed bugs

Mostly absent from the U.S. for the past fifty years, bed bugs are making a comeback. Increased international travel and immigration, along with the loss of effective insecticides, has helped this insect spread faster than any other urban insect pest.  The following links and fact sheets should help you avoid and get rid of this pest.

Human bed bugs change shape and color as they feed. Photos courtesy Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University.

General Information & Links

• • Recognizing bed bugs and their signs. Not sure how to look for bed bugs? Check out these images of different bed bug life stages and where they may be found.
  • Bed bugs and your apartment (ENT-3013) – Renters, learn how to recognize bed bugs and work with your apartment manager to get an effective treatment.
  • Bed bugs (Kentucky ENTFACT 636) – Answers many questions about what bed bugs are, where they originate, and how to control them.  Useful information for both the homeowner and pest management professionals.
  • EPA bed bug site. A federal government perspective on bed bugs, with links to reliable sources of information.

Professional Help

• How to Select a Bed bug Control Provider (Ento-033) –  Bed bug problems call for a professional. But how do you choose the right company? This publication tells you what questions to ask and provides guidance for tenants and apartment managers.
• What is a bed bug interceptor? – One of the most useful tools in managing and monitoring bed bugs, these inexpensive devices are under-used but indispensable in the battle against bed bugs.

Do-it-yourself options

• Do-it-Yourself bed bug control (ENT-3012) – Trying to control bed bugs yourself isn’t easy, but here are some suggestions to improve your chances of success.
• Best over-the-counter bed bug insecticides – 2014 Insect Update on research from Rutgers University looking for the best natural ingredient pesticides for bed bugs. Two products excelled.
• First Aid for bed bugs – An Insect Update post from 2012 about my daughter’s bed bug experience and how to get (almost) immediate relief from the little biters.

Resources for schools and governments

• Suggested IPM protocol for bed bugs in schools. Developed by Texas A&M University as a model protocol for schools dealing with bed bugs.  If your school hasn’t experienced its first bed bug introduction, it will. Be prepared.
• eXtension IPM plan for bed bugs in schools.  Policy recommendations, roles and responsibilities, and action suggestions from the national eXtension website.
• Bed bug starter guide for local governments.  Project developed by University of Washington graduate students to assist communities for developing a bed bug response plan.  If you work for a community, check this out.