BEDBUGS – Milwaukee | World, Bed Bug Registry Map

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(Photos courtesy of Gary Alpert Harvard University)

Bed bugs don't travel far, which is why humans are the main reason they spread. Travelers leaving their suitcases open can allow the bed bugs to hitch a ride. People bringing in used furniture or clothing can spread the bugs throughout a building. Any time sanitation conditions lapse, these bugs will expand their turf.

(Empty eggs sacks)

Bed bugs are flat and can hide in very narrow spaces. They like the area under a mattress near the human host. They are found behind mirrors, headboards, wall molding and pictures, under chairs, in furniture cushions or seams, cracks in the wall, electric outlets or any small openings. They generally are a few feet from where someone sleeps. Their creep factor is high as they come out at night and feed on the blood of their host. Look for blood spotting on the sheets or around pillows. Small brown spots and red rash-like itching sores are tell tale signs of a problem. So far, no disease transmission has been linked to the bed bug. Bed bugs are very hard to kill.

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A two step process is required to effectively deal with bed bugs. The first punch is to eliminate the adult population with sprays or other treatments. The second punch is to stop the transmission to other locations. Both the landlord and the tenant have a shared responsibility to eliminate this pest. If one end fails, the pest will return. Cooperation is the key.

After finding evidence of a bed bug, contact your landlord or if the owner, contact a professional exterminator. They are listed on the internet and in the business yellow pages. Check their references and experience with bed bugs. Some have bed bug sniffing dogs trained to locate sources of bed bugs. Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine their performance record. Toll free in Wisconsin (1-800-273-1002).

The type of treatment varies by the degree of infestation. One bed bug may simply require fastidious cleaning to get rid of. More serious cases may require professional help to assess and treat. The EPA has banned popular pesticides to which some pests have become immune. Treatments for animals cannot be applied to humans because of various health risks. If an infestation is discovered by DNS, we will write an order to exterminate. After the owners have done their job, the tenants must follow through with their share which could range from extensive cleaning to discarding infected belongings. Keeping the bed bug out requires numerous timely and repetitive steps:

One of the sure kill methods for severe infestation is to do a thermal remediation. This process involves heating the room to 114 degrees for a period of one hour. This process literally dries out the adults and their eggs for a complete extermination. The downside is that it is costly. It is approximately $1,000 - $6,000 per home. The upside is belongings stay in place and only things that melt need to be removed. In one shot it is done, not weeks.

Bed bug infestations are on the rise. As people travel more, the bed bug goes along. They are found in all parts of the world, in all social and economic strata regardless of income or type of dwelling. From movie theaters to 5 star hotels coast to coast, bed bug complaints are on the rise. When traveling, be sure to pull back the bed sheets to look for the tell tale brown spotting on the sheets. If using dressers, pull the drawers out to look for eggs or adults. Leave your luggage bag zipped up. When you return wash ALL clothes in hot water even if unworn. Inspect and put the luggage bag away from other clothing.

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