Bed Bugs | Springfield, MO – Official Website

The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) has long been a pest feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts. Bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. However, they can cause a number of problems, including emotional and economic distress from lack of sleep.

There are no state or local laws regarding the presence of bed bugs in rental property. There is no Springfield or Greene County law that forces property owners or landlords to take steps to remove bed bugs. Disputes about payments and responsibilities between renters and landlords are civil matters, not something the city or county has jurisdiction over.

If you are a renter with bed bugs, you have the following options:

Preventing Bed BugsBed bugs hitch rides in luggage, boxes, shoes and other mobile objects. They aren't tied to unsanitary living areas, so you can keep a clean house and still get them. You may have no idea they are present because they normally feed when you are sleeping.

Be thorough when buying used home items and if purchasing from rent-to-own stores. Before bringing these items home inspect each item thoroughly. Never take bedding or furniture that has been left on the curb for disposal.

When traveling, survey your hotel room for signs of bed bug infestations, such as red or dark brown spots on bed sheets. Lift the mattress, and other furniture items to look for bed bug hiding places. Elevate all luggage and personal items. Use racks to keep these items away from carpets and beds or place items in the bathtub. Examine all luggage and personal items before returning home to prevent bed bug migration.

Identifying Bed BugsBites alone are not a very good method of confirming that you have bed bugs. Its far better to check for the bugs themselves, which are perfectly visible to the naked eye if you know where to look. Adults are brown in color, although their bodies redden after feeding. Full-grown bed bugs move relatively slowly and measure between 4 to 5 mm, with newly hatched bugs being much smaller and white in color. When not feeding, bed bugs like to hide in the piping of mattresses or other small cracks and crevices in and around the bed.

The EPAs website contains detailed information about identifying bed bugs. If you are bitten, there are a number of simple steps you can take to treat the bites.

Getting Rid of Bed BugsThe best and most proven way to get rid of bed bugs is to kill them with high heat temperatures of at least 113 degrees for at least one hour are necessary. The higher the temperature, the shorter the time needed to kill bed bugs at all life stages. Put bedding and clothing in the dryer at high temperatures to kill bed bugs (just washing will generally not kill bed bugs).

Chemicals can be used but typically arent as effective. Additionally there are a number of things to keep in mind:

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Bed Bugs | Springfield, MO - Official Website