Bed Bugs

Identifying:

  • Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects, approximately the size of an apple seed.
    • Bed bugs feed on the blood of people and animals and have a painless bite.
    • Bed bugs are not known to spread disease, and are not typically considered dangerous.
    • Signs of bed bugs may include
      • Seeing them in the folds of mattresses and sheets
      • Finding their exoskeletons after molting
      • Rusty-colored spots on bedding or furniture
      • Red, itchy bites arranged in a line or cluster on the skin.
    • Sources of bed bugs:
      • Baggage and clothing infested during travel
      • Infested apartment units – bed bugs can spread very easily and rapidly from unit to unit
      • Secondhand furniture and clothing
      • Laundromats
      • Public areas with upholstered seats

    Preventing:

    • Avoid bringing mattresses, box springs, bed frames or furniture found on the street into your home.
    • Check all used/rented furniture for bed bugs.
    • When traveling, inspect your bed area for bed bugs.
    • If you have come into contact with bed bugs, wash and dry clothing at the highest setting possible or store items in a sealed plastic bag until you are able to wash and dry them.
    • Limit personal belongings when spending time in areas where bed bugs are more likely to be present.

    Reporting:

    • Bed bugs in public areas: If you find bed bugs in a public area, contact the South Dakota Department of Health (605-773-4945) or your local health department.
    • Bed bugs in rental spaces:
      • If you find bed bugs in your apartment or rental space, it is the responsibility of the landlord to proceed with extermination. Report the bed bugs immediately to your landlord.
      • If the landlord can prove that the bed bugs were brought in by the tenant, the tenant can be charged for extermination.

    Treating:

    Bed bugs can be challenging to get rid of and often require several attempts to treat. Managing them can take weeks to months depending on the nature and extent of the infestation. Once identified, there are a number of treatment options:

    • Hire a Professional – Professional treatments, although expensive, are typically very effective in eliminating bed bugs. The South Dakota Better Business Bureau offers information on trustworthy pest control professionals.
    • Treat bed bugs yourself – There are a number of do-it-yourself treatment options including:
      • Reducing by hand
      • Heat Treatment
      • Cold Treatment
      • Utilizing Chemicals

    For more information, call 211 or search our online database:

    Sources:

    Disclaimer: This HelpSheet is developed by the Helpline Center for informational purposes only. HelpSheets provide a brief overview of the designated topic. For more information, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

    Updated: June 2024