Bites and Bugs

Bed Bug Patient Education

What to do before going to the hospital/clinic for appointments:

If you have an active bed bug infestation in your home, there are steps you should take to prevent the spread of bed bugs. Bed bugs can be difficult to control so preventing the spead is very important, especially in healthcare facilities. 

1. Shower at home prior to your appointment.
2. Place the clothing you plan to wear to the appointment in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes prior to leaving your home.  Put the clothing on right as you are walking out the door.
3. Be sure to bring only the necessary items to the hospital (I.D., Insurance cards, medication list).
4. If extra clothing/bags are brought to the hospital with you, you will be asked to place your belongings in a sealed patient belonging bag until your appointment/procedure is complete.

Ways to control bed bugs in your home:

1. Bugs need to be treated professionally by a licensed exterminator. The problem will not disappear without professional treatment and constant monitoring.
2. Declutter:  Areas that need to be treated should have all items removed and bagged during treatment.
3. Launder infested garments and linens: This should be done on the highest heat possible.  If items can not be washed they may be placed into a dryer on high heat for 20-30 minutes.
4. Treat Furniture: Areas that need to be treated should have all furniture dismantled and inspected.  This means take drawers out, vaccum and treat all crevices for bed frames and other furniture.  Reclining chairs and sofas can be especially hard to treat so you may consider replacing those items.  Bed matresses and box springs can be zipped into covers that will not allow bed bugs to enter or exit or will kill live bed bugs.
5. Clean the area:  Scrub infested areas with a stiff brush to dislodge eggs, vacuum the room extensively along any cracks, crevices, baseboards.

Bed Bug Facts:

1. Bed bugs are very small. They range from ¼ of an inch to 3/8 of an inch when full.
2. Adults are red to brown in color and do not have wings. The head is distinct from the rest of the body.
3. Bed bugs can live for up to 6 months at 71 degrees F without feeding. They tend to feed every 5-10 days.
4. Bed bugs tend to hide in personal belongings (pillows, clothing, luggage, bags) and can be transported from one area to another very easily.
5. Bed bugs are active at night, they do not like the daylight and tend to hide in small crevices.
6. They are very hard to kill and get rid of due to their ability to reproduce rapidly, and the lifespan of their eggs and the bugs themselves.
7. Bed bugs do not carry disease but do to the nature of these invasive pests it is considered important to control them in your home.