MASON CITY | An increasing number of Cerro Gordo County residents have called health officials about suspected bedbug infestations. <\/p>\n
Officials say it's a good reminder for people to know what bedbugs look like and how to distinguish between them and less-invasive household insects. <\/p>\n
\"We tell people don't panic but take action,\" said Jenna Willems, Healthy Homes Program coordinator for the Cerro Gordo County Public Health Department. <\/p>\n
The suspected infestations aren't verified, so health officials don't know if they are becoming more prevalent in Cerro Gordo County. <\/p>\n
\"They've been resurging (around the country) for the last couple years now,\" Willems said. \"So in general more people are learning about them and more people are worried about them.\" <\/p>\n
Bedbugs are oval, wingless insects the size of an apple seed or smaller. Their flat, reddish-brown bodies may be mistaken for ticks or small cockroaches. <\/p>\n
They tend to concentrate around sleeping areas, but can also live inside furniture, cracks in the walls, drapery or other textiles. <\/p>\n
The bugs don't carry diseases but their bites can swell and itch, officials say. <\/p>\n
\"The bad news is everyone is at risk for bedbugs,\" Willems said in statement. \"The good news is everyone can play a role in limiting the spread of bedbugs.\" <\/p>\n
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\nBed bugs may be increasing in Cerro Gordo County, officials say<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MASON CITY | An increasing number of Cerro Gordo County residents have called health officials about suspected bedbug infestations. Officials say it's a good reminder for people to know what bedbugs look like and how to distinguish between them and less-invasive household insects. \"We tell people don't panic but take action,\" said Jenna Willems, Healthy Homes Program coordinator for the Cerro Gordo County Public Health Department. Continue reading