National Pest Management Association Inc.
National Pest Management Association Inc.

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Helpful Videos

The Bed Bug Hub: One-Stop Shop for Bed Bug Information

 

There's no doubt about it: bed bugs are back! And understandably, the recent rise in the bed bug population has many people concerned. In fact, the United States Environmental Proteciton Agency (EPA) held its first ever Bed Bug Summit on the increasing problem in 2009.

 In response to the need for a central online location for bed bug information, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has created the Bed Bug Hub - your resource on everything bed bug related, from prevention tips to current news.

 

Bed Bug Frequently Asked Questions 

Bed Bug Fact Sheet

 

In the News: Recent NPMA Bed Bug Coverage

 

 

 

NPMA Bed Bug Press Room

 

 

 Important Consumer Warning about Propane Heaters:

Recently there has been widespread media coverage about the use of propane heaters to solve bed bug infestations. While it is certainly true that some professionals do use propane heaters as part of their overall approach to treat bed bugs, it is VERY important to note that these are NOT the same type of heaters that are used while camping, etc.

The heaters used for camping or cooking are typically meant for outdoor use.  Using these types of devices indoors produces carbon monoxide and can be fatal.  PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE DEVICES INDOORS.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bed Bug Frequently Asked Questions

1. Has there really been a resurgence in bedbugs in the U.S. and how do you know?
There HAS been an increase in bedbug infestations. Our member pest control companies who received 1 or 2 bedbug calls a year are now reporting 1 to 2 each week.

2. Where have you been finding the bedbugs?
These pests are not limited to any one specific type of dwelling. Pest control companies have been reporting the infestations in multi-family housing, apartments, hotels and even hospitals.

3. What states have been affected?
Pest control companies have reported bed bug activity on a national scale. Bedbugs are being found from the East to the West Coast; and everywhere in between.

4. Why are bedbugs so hard to treat?
Bedbegs should not be equated with filth or sanitation problems -- in hotels or in homes, for that matter. Bedbugs are very elusive, transient and nocturnal pests. They are often found in other areas besides the bed. And they are hardy. They can live for a year or more without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Bedbugs can be controlled with vigilance and constant inspection and treatment by professional pest control companies.

What can a consumer do to protect themselves from bedbug infestations?
To prevent bedbug infestations, consumers need to be vigilant in assessing their surroundings. When returning from a trip, check your luggage and clothing. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control professional. This is not a pest that can be controlled with do-it-yourself measures.

7. Why are bedbugs an issue for hotels, visitors, and homeowners?
Bedbugs leave itchy, bloody welts on human skin. Adult bed bugs can live for a year without eating, making them especially hard to control. Once inside a hotel or home, bed bugs spread rapidly from room to room - through pipes, in vacuum cleaners, on clothing and luggage. In a hotel, bed bugs can even spread to neighboring rooms, since guests are may end up moving to another room.

8. Are bedbugs just in beds?
Bedbugs are not just in beds. They can be in chair cushions, sofas, behind electrical outlets, cracks and crevices around baseboards, or even behind picture frames. In other words, they can be live pretty much anywhere

9. What can a consumer do if they find they have bedbugs?
Any effective bedbug control strategy should start with a careful, thorough inspection by a pest control professional of all known and suspected spots where the bugs may be harboring. This is not a pest that can be controlled effectively with do-it-yourself measures. As they are discovered, the pest control professional will develop a treatment and control strategy with the customer depending on the extent of the infestation.

 

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There are 25 comments
Hearts Pest Management Suggested Prevention for Hotels
By Gerry Weitz
on 6/20/2009 at 7:04PM EST

I would add that there are strategies that can be used by hotels to minimize spread of an infestation. Educating hotel housekeeping staff in identification and proper disposal is vital. Also, encourage management to develop a strategy regarding the covering of beds with bed bug specific coverings or for the replacement of matresses and or boxsprings, as needed.

Anywhere
By Juan
on 6/30/2009 at 8:25AM EST

Bedbugs hide almost anywhere. I treat a hotel once and discover some bed bugs inside the electric boxes, down the carpet, down the wooden friz, almost anywhere. I took pictures but lost them :-(

It was amazing. Near rooms infested trough electric instalation. And remember to close the place for a week, return and re treat.

Regards

How can I get more information
By Bibiana
on 8/14/2009 at 9:00PM EST

Please send me more updates information about this insects. Thank you!

Bibiana Basilio

hello
By lupita
on 8/22/2009 at 2:03PM EST

how do you prevent havin itchy in your skin caused by bed bugs?

Prevetion and Treatment
By Hugo Pires (PORTUGAL)
on 8/23/2009 at 9:23PM EST

All of us can do little things at our homes that may be effective against this terrible insect: deep vaccum at suspect areas, mainly bedrooms, atach double sided glue strips in the bed bases, and apply water steam (100 ºC temperature). Water steam can be very effective as a killer method, if applyed carefully in all areas. Laundry at high temperatura and get rid carpets and other superflluous items that tipicaly hide them.

bed bugs
By Erika
on 8/25/2009 at 12:43PM EST

Okay quick question how do you get bed bugs? I mean what makes them come to your bed?

PETS
By SHAWNEE
on 8/29/2009 at 2:26PM EST

CAN BEDBUGS AFFECT OUR PETS TOO. IF SO WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE ON OUR PETS SKIN, IF THEY HAVE BEEN BITTEN BY THEM?

bed bugs taking over my home and bitting my family
By wendy bland
on 9/7/2009 at 3:16AM EST

we live in lawrenceville georgia and we never had this problem before. now we have a very big problem..BED BUGS...PLEASE HELP ME! we dont have alot of money. ...W.B. ATLANTA,GA

Hotels
By Stacey
on 11/12/2009 at 4:23AM EST

Yah, also for people traveling in hotels I suggest getting bed bug luggage liners because you have no control over the management

Bedbugs in my bed again
By Karen Escorcia
on 6/26/2010 at 11:37PM EST

Bedbugs are my home again. We changed everything (bed, set sheets,) and we moved to another place and they're persecute us!!!

They are easy to get rid of
By henry
on 7/4/2010 at 11:05AM EST

They do not like cold air.

By putting a single desk fan right next to the bed and generate air flow all around it for several hours during daytime and evening, the bedbugs nearly vanished within two weeks, and it has stayed that way.

I live in the UK, and it gets pretty cold in winter. I kept the bedroom window open and used the fanWill buy a couple of more desk fans and thus make sure there is no part of the bed or surroundings they can move to and escape the chill.

Re: they are easy to get rid of
By National Pest Management Association
on 7/6/2010 at 2:45PM EST

Hi Henry,

Thanks for your comment and suggestion! We're glad to hear you've found a bed bug control method that is working for you.

You're right, bed bugs do not like cold weather. When the temperature reaches below 61 degrees, adult bed bugs enter a state of semi-hibernation. However, they can survive in this state for several months, so once the temperature warms, the bed bugs are likely to return. That is why we recommend that you consult with a pest professional for options on how to permanently treat the infestation. Good luck!

moving
By Amy
on 7/29/2010 at 9:19AM EST

I am moving in a month and my current apartment complex has had issues with bed bugs. It has been fumagated twice but last night i found another one in my bed. I don't want to bring the bugs with me to my new apartment, do i need to throw away all my furnature? I am planning on getting rid of the bed but i live in a studio so there is a couch and lounge chair in the same room as my bed. Any suggestions on not packing the bugs with me?

re: moving
By NPMA
on 7/29/2010 at 10:32AM EST

Hi Amy,

That’s a great question. You’re right to be concerned about bringing the bed bugs with you when you move. As you probably know, bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, so they can hide in furniture, clothing and other belongings you bring with you and potentially infest your new apartment.

It sounds like you (or your apartment’s management) have taken the right first step by working with a pest professional to treat the infestation. Because it can take several treatments to completely eliminate all bed bugs, we would recommend having a professional inspect/treat any furniture that you are planning to bring with you when you move. To find a qualified and licensed pest professional, try the zip-code locator on this site. It’s also a good idea to launder all of your clothing and bedding in hot water to kill any bed bugs and pack them in airtight containers, before bringing them into your new apartment. Good luck!

Treatment
By Rose Shone
on 8/4/2010 at 2:15PM EST

I had my apartment treated 3 times, and still found

one or two dying bed bugs weeks later. Is this normal? I've been so deeply affected by this that I am having extreme difficulty sleeping in my bed now. It's something that doesn't leave you mentally for quite some time.

Concerned
By Pat
on 8/4/2010 at 2:32PM EST

Is there any way to prevent BedBugs from entering your home (ie:pest spray, mattress covers???). The idea of having bedbugs is very distressing to me.....Since I do not have them, I am wondering about preventive measures.

Re: Treatment
By NPMA
on 8/5/2010 at 2:15PM EST

Hi Rose,

Bed bugs are THE most difficult pest to treat, and take it takes vigilance to completely eliminate an infestation. Depending on the type of treatment your pest professional used, it can take several treatments to completely eliminate bed bugs.

If you're still seeing signs of bed bugs, contact your pest professional to determine if follow-up treatments are necessary. Since they know your specific case and the treatment plan used, they'll be able to give you the most accurate advice. Good luck!

Re: Concerned
By NPMA
on 8/5/2010 at 2:26PM EST

Hi Pat,

Great question. The best way to treat bed bugs is to prevent an infestation in the first place. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and most often find their way into your home in your belongings, such as in your suitcase when you return from vacation. Check out these tips to prevent bringing bed bugs home from travel and shopping trips:

http://www.pestworld.org/press-releases/bed-bugs-unwanted-summer-vacation-souvenirs

http://www.pestworld.org/abercrombie

thank you
By fran turano
on 8/6/2010 at 12:20PM EST

Thanks for working on addressing a problem that I see the situation wosening before it gets better.

newborn baby
By Warren
on 8/14/2010 at 5:51AM EST

Hi have a very bad bedbug problem have had exterminater here 4times thought problem was took care of.but then other night woke up getting bites again called pest people again but they want to charge me again which i cant afford.have a baby on the way here in few months and really dont want my newborn getting ate by these pest.any advice would be greatly aprixiated.

bed bugs
By jorge
on 8/14/2010 at 11:20AM EST

how important is it for the tenants or residents to be completely prepared for a bed bugs treatment

What Insecticide to use to help myself
By Louis S. Baker
on 8/16/2010 at 10:45AM EST

What Insecticide to use to help myself.

Thats on the market.

Re: newborn baby
By NPMA
on 8/16/2010 at 4:47PM EST

Hi Warren,

Unfortunately, bed bugs are THE most difficult pest to treat, and can take anywhere from 3 to 5 or more professional treatments to fully eradicate. We recommend that you continue to work with a professional pest control company to eliminate the bed bugs, as DIY methods are not typically successful with this pest. It is important that you fully understand and agree to the terms of the contract you sign with your pest control company, as each company offers different treatments terms and options.

Good luck, and congratulations on the new addition to your family!

re: bed bugs
By NPMA
on 8/16/2010 at 4:58PM EST

Hi Jorge,

That is a great question. The key to completely eliminating a bed bug infestation is to fully cooperate and work closely with your professional pest management company.

In advance of a scheduled treatment, contact your pest control company and ask what you, as the tenant or homeowner, needs to do to prepare your home and family. Depending on the type of treatment being preformed, this may include removing or storing clothing and other items, etc. Failure to fully cooperate with your pest professional can compromise the effectiveness of the treatment, so carefully follow their instructions and advice.

re: What Insecticide to use to help myself
By NPMA
on 8/16/2010 at 5:04PM EST

Hi Louis,

We don't recommend the use of DIY methods for the treatment of bed begs, because these methods are usually unsuccessful in eliminating an infestation. If you do use a DIY product, be sure to follow the instructions and labeling fully. Good luck!

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