Bed Bugs

Tips to Prevent or Control Bed Bugs

1. Don't Panic – Bed Bugs can be difficult to eliminate, but not impossible. Don't throw out all of your things because most things can be treated and saved.
   
   
2. Think through your treatment options – Don't immediately reach for a spray can. Try other things first. Integrated Pest Management uses numerous techniques to limit your contact with pesticides. Always follow label directions or hire a professional.
   
   
3. Reduce hiding places by cleaning up clutter. Use an encasement to cover your mattress and box springs. Leave in place for 18 months. This is one case when a quality product is important.
   
   
4. Regularly wash and heat dry your sheets, blankets, bedspreads and any clothing that touches the floor.
   
   
5. Do- it –yourself freezing is not a reliable method for bed bug control.
   
   
6. Kill bed bugs with heat, but be careful, this is one method where it is best to call in a professional.
   
   
7. Don't pass your bed bugs onto others. Bed Bugs are hitchhikers! If you throw out mattresses or furniture, slash it so someone else doesn't pick it up and take it to their home.
   
   
8. Reduce the number of bed bugs to reduce bites. Vacuuming carefully and changing the bag after every use. Seal the bag in plastic and throw away outside in a garbage bin.
   
   
9. Turn to professionals if needed. Make sure they are a reliable company with a good reputation. Shop around because prices vary greatly between companies and the services they offer.

Taken from: www.epa.gov/bedbugs/top-ten-tips-prevent-or-control-bed-bugs

General Information

General Information

Let's Beat the Bug! New things to know about bed bugs

Where are bed bugs inside my house?

How to bug proof your home from bed bugs

Do Bed Bug Sniffing Dogs work?

Bed Bug Management Flow Chart

Bed Bugs Myths and Facts

Pest Control Options

IPM Action Plan for Bed Bugs

How to treat bed bugs

Choosing and Working with a Pest Control Company 

Tips for Selecting a Pest Professional

Preparing for Treatment Using Integrated Pest Management (insecticides)

Getting the Bed Bugs Out Guide

Landlord/Tennant Information

Landlord's Guide to Preventing and Controlling Bed Bug Infestations

Talking to your Landlord about Bed Bugs

Information for Homeowners and Tenants

Bed bugs - Information for Moving and Storage

How to Move and Leave Bed Bugs Behind

Moving Tips - Don't Take the Bed Bugs with You

What’s Working for Bed Bug Control in Multifamily Housing

Shelters and Group living facilities

Bedbugs Information for Shelters & Group Homes

Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities

Schools and Libraries

Bed Bugs: What Schools Need to Know

Bed Bug Identification and Management Guidelines for Schools

College Students and Bed Bugs

Travel

How to inspect your hotel room for bed bugs

Other Resources

BED BUGS: Tips for shopping at thrift stores and garage sales

Bed bugs in the Workplace

Guidelines for Reducing the Risk of Transporting Bed Bugs

Bed Bug information in Spanish

Bed Bug Information in Arabic

Bed Bug Information in Somali

Bed Bug Task Force Members

• Sedgwick County school nurses/coordinators
• USD 259 Environmental Services
• USD 266 - Maize
• USD 261
• WSU Student Health Services
• Catholic Charities
• Union Rescue Mission
• Continuum of Care committee members
• COMCARE
• Miracles, Inc.
• Child Care Licensing
• Open Door
• Wichita City Library
• Shelter Plus Program
• Wichita Children’s Home
• United Way 2-1-1
• City of Wichita Housing and Nuisance Code
• K-State Extension Office
• Sedgwick County Health Department
• & all those interested in alleviating the burden of bed bugs