Peoria County Government :: Bed Bugs

Environmental Health: 309-679-6161

Bed Bugs on the Rise

Bed bugs are on the rise in Illinois after a dramatic decline in the 1940s and 1950s. A couple reasons for the return are more world-wide travel and the fact that todays insecticides, although safer for people, are less effective in killing these bugs. Bed bugs are small, flat insects, usually reddish-brown and up to -inch long. Bed bugs most commonly enter hotels or residences by hitch-hiking on a suitcase or backpack, used furniture and clothing or other objects moved from one building to another. Although bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, their bites can cause an intense itch and scratching could produce secondary infections. To help reduce this problem, learn the signs of bed bug infestations, how the bugs spread, what you can do to prevent getting them and what to do if you find bed bugs.

To prevent getting bed bugs:

If there is a bed bug infestation:

For more information on bedbugs, visit the EPA Bed Bug website. This site provides general information about bed bugs, such as preventing infestations, managing bed bugs, common myths, questions and answers, and also has links to other trusted resources.

Suggested Resource Information:

General Public:(Bed bugs are not known to transmit infectious diseases and are not considered a serious disease threat.)

Bed Bugs Are on the Rise Fact Sheet

Homeowners and Tenants:

Bed Bugs Are on the Rise Fact Sheet

Resources for Homeowners and Tenants:

Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs in Residences (University of Minnesota Extension Service)

Guidelines for the Control and Prevention of Bed Bug Infestations in California (California Department of Health Services)

Hotels (Lodging Industry):

Bed Bugs Are on the Rise Fact Sheet

Resources for Hotels:(including information on where to look for bed bugs, cleaning procedures, how to control bed bugs, and the potential economic impact)

Teaming Up Against Bed Bugs (Choice Hotels International)

Guidelines for the Control and Prevention of Bed Bug Infestations in California (California Department of Health Services)

Group Homes and Shelters (Housing Industry):

Bed Bugs Are on the Rise Fact Sheet

Resources for Group Shelters:

Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities (New York State Integrated Pest Management Program)

Schools (Educational Institutions):

General Information for Parents and Students:

Bed Bugs Are on the Rise Fact Sheet

Resources for Schools:

Bed Bugs: What Schools Need to Know (Michigan Bed Bug Working Group)

Additional Resources:

Manual of Operations Example (Michigan Department of Community Health and Michigan Bed Bug Working Group)

Resource Manuals Example (State of Michigan Emerging Disease Issues)

Image Sources:Bed Bug Compared to Grains of Rice: http://www.in.gov/isdh/24955.htmBed Bugs Clustered on Mattress: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/components/M1196.pdfBed Bug Bites: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/Bed_Bug_Manual_v1_full_reduce_326605_7.pdfBed Bugs on Backpack: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/components/M1196.pdf

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Peoria County Government :: Bed Bugs