Dealing with bed bugs | Illinois Legal Aid Online | World, Bed Bug Registry Map

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General Information on Bed BugsWhat are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects. They feed on blood.

Bed bugs are the size, shape, and color of an apple seed. They are 1/4 of an inch long and look reddish-brown. The eggs are tiny and white. Bed bugs are big enough to see.

Bed bugs live where people sleep, sit, or lay down. They can be found on mattresses and bed frames. They can also be found in chairs, couches, and tight spaces.

Bed bugs get into an apartment by clothing, bags, furniture, and mattresses. They can get in through small cracks in walls, ceilings, and under doors. Bed bugs cannot fly.

Bed bugs can be found anywhere. Always check furniture and bedding bought used. Never bring items found in the trash into your apartment. After vacation, check your luggage for bed bugs before going in your apartment. Clean your bed sheets often and buy mattress covers.

No.

Bed bug bites may cause swelling, redness, and itching.

Look for live or dead bed bugs on furniture and mattresses. Also look for tiny dark spots or red stains. Bed bug bites are a sign, but not everyone will notice the bites.

Local ordinances have different requirements, but you should call your landlord immediately and notify him in writing for your own records. You should consult these ordinances as quickly as possible as early notification and treatment will help to prevent the bed bugs from spreading.

However, you should not try to get rid of the bedbugs by using chemicals, "bug bombs," or pesticides. These items do not work and could make you sick.

This is not necessary unless the pest control expert says so. If you have to throw away items, seal them in a plastic bag first. This will stop the bed bugs from spreading. You may not recycle items that have bed bugs. All infested items must be sealed in a plastic bag before throwing them away. This bag must be labeled that it is infested with bedbugs.

The laws on bed bugs may differ based on where you live. You should check your local ordinances to see if there are any specific rules for bed bugs. If you have questions, you can contact your local government.

No matter where you live in Illinois, landlords are required to provide tenants with a habitable apartment. This includes providing an apartment free of bed bug infestation. Unless a tenant brought bed bugs into the property, the landlord must pay for services to remove the bed bugs. If a landlord can prove that a tenant brought the bed bugs into the property, they may be able to charge the tenant for the removal services. In most cases, it is difficult to prove the source of the bed bugs.

If you are a tenant, and your landlord is not responding to you or refuses to pay for bed bug removal, contact your local housing officials. You can also get legal help to learn more about your legal options.

Finally, businesses that rent furniture or electronic equipment are required to inspect for bedbugs or other pests before renting to a customer. If they find bed bugs, they must treat the equipment or furniture first. If an infestation arises from rented furniture or electronic equipment, the customer can sue the business.

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Dealing with bed bugs | Illinois Legal Aid Online