Bed Bugs | Health & Senior Services

Dealing with bed bugs in the home can be an unsettling experience. The good news is that bed bugs are a manageable pest! Control will require time, patience, and a well thought out plan.

The first step in managing a pest infestation is to have the pest properly identified. This is critical for bed bugs! There are many other insects that can be mistaken for bed bugs. Having the pest identified by a trained professional maximizes the chances of successfully getting rid of the pest.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) recommends consulting with a pest control professional if you are concerned that you have bed bugs in your home. A professional can conduct a thorough inspection of your home and discuss which treatment option is most appropriate.

Pest control services for bed bugs can be very expensive. While there are some DIY steps that can be taken to address the problem on your own, it is important to realize that these steps may not take care of the bed bug problem entirely. However, these steps can reduce the number of bugs in the home in a short amount of time. DIY steps to consider include:

If you are a tenant:Notify your landlord of your bed bug concerns right away. Bed bug treatment may be up to the tenant or the landlord. More information may be available in the terms of your lease agreement. The Missouri Attorney Generals Office has developed a booklet about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. This booklet can be viewed by visiting:

For more information about handling bed bugs in your home, please refer to the following resources:

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Bed Bugs | Health & Senior Services