Bed Bugs
Tips to Prevent or Control Bed Bugs
- Don't Panic – Bed Bugs can be difficult to eliminate, but not impossible. Don't throw out all of your things because most things can be treated and saved.
- Think through your treatment options – Don't immediately reach for a spray can. Try other things first. Integrated Pest Management uses numerous techniques to limit your contact with pesticides. Always follow label directions or hire a professional.
- Reduce hiding places by cleaning up clutter. Use an encasement to cover your mattress and box springs. Leave in place for 18 months. This is one case when a quality product is important.
- Regularly wash and heat dry your sheets, blankets, bedspreads and any clothing that touches the floor.
- Do- it –yourself freezing is not a reliable method for bed bug control.
- Kill bed bugs with heat, but be careful, this is one method where it is best to call in a professional.
- Don't pass your bed bugs onto others. Bed Bugs are hitchhikers! If you throw out mattresses or furniture, slash it so someone else doesn't pick it up and take it to their home.
- Reduce the number of bed bugs to reduce bites. Vacuuming carefully and changing the bag after every use. Seal the bag in plastic and throw away outside in a garbage bin.
- Turn to professionals if needed. Make sure they are a reliable company with a good reputation. Shop around because prices vary greatly between companies and the services they offer.
Taken from: www.epa.gov/bedbugs/top-ten-tips-prevent-or-control-bed-bugs
General Information
Let's Beat the Bug! New things to know about bed bugs
Where are bed bugs inside my house?
How to bug proof your home from bed bugs
Do Bed Bug Sniffing Dogs work?
Pest Control Options
Choosing and Working with a Pest Control Company
Tips for Selecting a Pest Professional
Preparing for Treatment Using Integrated Pest Management (insecticides)
Getting the Bed Bugs Out Guide
Landlord/Tennant Information
Landlord's Guide to Preventing and Controlling Bed Bug Infestations
Talking to your Landlord about Bed Bugs
Information for Homeowners and Tenants
Bed bugs - Information for Moving and Storage
How to Move and Leave Bed Bugs Behind
Moving Tips - Don't Take the Bed Bugs with You
What’s Working for Bed Bug Control in Multifamily Housing
Shelters and Group living facilities
Bedbugs Information for Shelters & Group Homes
Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities
Schools and Libraries
Bed Bugs: What Schools Need to Know
Bed Bug Identification and Management Guidelines for Schools
Travel
How to inspect your hotel room for bed bugs
Other Resources
BED BUGS: Tips for shopping at thrift stores and garage sales
Guidelines for Reducing the Risk of Transporting Bed Bugs
Bed Bug information in Spanish
Bed Bug Task Force Members
- Sedgwick County school nurses/coordinators
- USD 259 Environmental Services
- USD 266 - Maize
- USD 261
- WSU Student Health Services
- Catholic Charities
- Union Rescue Mission
- Continuum of Care committee members
- COMCARE
- Miracles, Inc.
- Child Care Licensing
- Open Door
- Wichita City Library
- Shelter Plus Program
- Wichita Children’s Home
- United Way 2-1-1
- City of Wichita Housing and Nuisance Code
- K-State Extension Office
- Sedgwick County Health Department
- & all those interested in alleviating the burden of bed bugs
Important Links
Choosing & Working with a Pest Control Company