Although generally not considered dangerous, bed bugs are a
nuisance and need to be kept out of your home. Here are some tips
to help you prevent bed bugs and to get rid of them.
- Know what to look for. Adult bed bugs are small, about the size
on an apple seed, and tan or reddish-brown in colour. They can be
found around beds and any furniture used for sleeping. They may be
in the mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and behind
baseboards. They leave dark spots from droppings and small
bloodstains if they are crushed.
- If you find bed bugs, report them to your Site
Manager immediately. You cannot be evicted for
reporting these bugs. It is important that your Site Manager know
as soon as possible so that they can arrange for proper treatment.
If they come back later, let your Site Manager know again.
Do not try to treat the infestation yourself.
- Vacuum your home, including baseboards, furniture, bed frames,
mattresses and box springs regularly. Seal the vacuum bags with
tape or in a plastic bag and remove them from your home right
away.
- Wash your clothes and bedding in hot water. Dry them in a hot
dryer for at least 45 minutes. The heat will kill the bugs. Do not
overfill the washer or dryer.
- Keep your bed away from the walls and nightstands. Put bed bug
proof covers on your mattresses and box springs. Use double sided
tape or bed bug interceptors around the feet of your bed. Mattress
covers and interceptors may be purchased from pest control
companies or mattress stores.
- Follow all instructions the Site Manager or the pest control
operator gives you to prepare before a chemical spray treatment or
heat treatment of your home.
- Follow all instructions for after the treatment as well.
- Never bring used mattresses or furniture that you find in the
alley or by a garbage bin into your home.
- Be very careful to inspect any used items you buy at a second
hand shop or get from friends or family. If they appear to have bed
bugs, don't take them.
- If you travel, check your luggage and belongings when you
return home.
- When taking infested mattresses or other furniture out of your
home, seal them in a large plastic bag. Tape a sign to the bag that
says, "Infested with bed bugs". Do not donate or re-sell anything
infested with bed bugs.
Thank you for your assistance! Site Managers and
pest control operators cannot control this problem without your
help.
