Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually active at night when people are sleeping. Adult bed bugs have flat, rusty-red-colored oval bodies. About the size of an apple seed, they are big enough to be easily seen, but often hide in cracks in furniture, floors, or walls. When bed bugs feed, their bodies swell and become brighter red. They can live for several months without food or water.

Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but they are a nuisance. Infestations are very difficult and expensive to control. It is important to combine insecticide treatments with environmental measures such as laundering bed linens, vacuuming rooms, and cleaning mattresses. Insecticides, if used, should be applied by a professional exterminator.

Bed bug bites usually cause small, itchy red bumps on the surface of the skin. Bites should be kept clean to prevent infection.

Unlike head lice, bed bugs do not live on a person. However, they can hitchhike from one place to another in backpacks, clothing, luggage, books and other items.

• Bed Bugs fact sheet (Word) | also as PDF
• (14 MRSA §6021-A)

Information for Schools

• fb88 CDC and Department of Education School Guide (PDF)
• Sample Parent Notification Letter (Word)
• Sample Bed Bug Inspection Form (Word)
• Bed Bugs – What Schools Need to Know (fb88 Department of Agriculture School IPM Program)

Pest Management

• fb88 Board of Pesticides Control
• Got Pests? (fb88 Integrated Pest Management Council)
• (University of fb88 Cooperative Extension)
• (University of fb88 Cooperative Extension)
• Pest Management Companies (PDF)

National Resources

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• - University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
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