Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Be sure that you actually have bed bugs:
   Bed Bug Identification Fact Sheet

   OSU Extension Fact Sheet on Bed Bugs

   Bed Bug Inspection (YouTube)

Yes! These are bed bugs... well they are actually eggs. Learn to identify the different stages of bed bugs in order to inspect clothing, suitcases and furniture throroughly.

Leave extermination to the professionals:
Working with a licensed pest management professional is the best way to eradicate an infestation. Speak with a professional to learn what type of treatment would be best for you, which might include heat treatment and/or Integrated Pest Management. (Integrated Pest Management means using a combination of pesticide and non-pesticide options to treat the entire infestation.)
   Choosing a Pest Management Professional

Preparing for an Exterminator:
   Exterminator Preparation Checklist

Minimizing an Infestation:
If a licensed pest management professional is not an option, follow the tips provided in the fact sheets below to help minimize (but not eradicate) an infestation.

   First Steps: Bed Bug Quick Relief Guide

   Preventing & Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Safely

Additional Resources:

      Moving Tips

     Top Ten Questions

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs - what NOT to do

What NOT to do can be as important as what to do when dealing with bed bugs. BUG BOMBS DON'T WORK ON BED BUGS. Here are the top five (potentially dangerous) misconceptions about pesticide use and bed bugs. (Reminder: working with a licensed pest management professional is the best way to eradicate an infestation.)

Grocery store/Hardware store insect sprays:
- They will not eliminate a bed bug infestation.
- To kill bugs, the spray must come into direct contact with them.
- Since most bugs are hiding in nooks and crannies that the spray can't reach, the majority of them will NOT be killed by the spray.
- Grocery store insect sprays have little or no residual activity (which means that they break down quickly and only last a short time.)

Boric Acid
- Boric acid products do not kill bed bugs.
- Boric acid is a stomach poison that must be eaten by the insect.
- Bed bugs only feed on blood so the boric acid is virtually ineffective.

Bug Bombs
- Household bug bombs that are meant for flying insects will not kill bed bugs.
- These insecticides cause bed bugs to scatter because the spray irritates them.
- The scattering effect from bug bombs spreads the infestation to places that mayhave been bed bug free!

- Our Steering Committee member, Dr. Susan Jones with OSU published a paper in June 2012 on the ineffectiveness of bug bombs on bed bugs. For the science behind the warnings, click here.

Garden Pesticides
- NEVER USE AGRICULTURAL OR GARDEN PESTICIDES INDOORS!
- These products are toxic (poisonous). They can make you or your family very sick!

Alcohol, Kerosene or Gasoline
- Do not use rubbing alcohol, kerosene or gasoline. These chemicals are potentially very dangerous because they are flammable and may cause a fire.

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