| Control Excerpt from California Department of Public Health, Vector Borne Disease Section fact sheet available here:
VBDS bedbug information
How can you get rid of bed bugs?
The California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section,
recommends that property owners hire a pest control professional licensed by the
California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Structural Pest Control Board to
evaluate what type of pest is present and to exterminate them if necessary.
Time and money can be wasted attempting to eliminate an infestation if an insect is not
identified properly. Controlling and removing bed bugs involves different procedures
than the removal of other pests and will require multiple visits.
Private Pest Control
A pest control professional should perform a thorough inspection, and when bed bug hiding places are
found, provide at least one chemical or non-chemical means of control to the infested rooms every two weeks, for three consecutive weeks. A professional may also use
pesticides and specialized equipment, such as steam cleaners, to kill the bed bugs.
It is important to cooperate fully with all of the pest control company’s
recommendations. These recommendations may include washing clothing and linens
and reducing clutter in infested rooms. All materials removed from a bed bug infested
room should be placed in plastic garbage bags before being thrown away or taken to a
laundry facility. This will prevent bed bugs from being moved to other areas of the
structure. Licensed applicators should provide proof of their licensure and their
company’s licensure upon request. Visit http://www.pestboard.ca.gov/license.htm or call
DCA, Structural Pest Control Board at (916) 561-8704 to confirm that the company is
certified.
How can vector control help?
We can provide identification of bed bugs and direction to help deal with infestations. We will inspect hotels and other public buildings, but we cannot provide control. Control should be left to private pest control professionals who are licensed and certified in that form of pest control.
How does a property become infested with bed bugs?
In most cases, bed bugs are moved from infested areas to non-infested areas on
clothing, luggage, furniture, or bedding that is brought into homes.
How can I prevent bed bugs from entering my home?
Some infestations can be prevented by washing clothing and bedding immediately after
returning from a trip. Inspect all used beds, box springs, sofas, upholstered chairs, and
bedding for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home.
Should I report a bed bug infestation to local authorities?
Yes. Bed bugs are considered a public health nuisance and when found in hotels,
prisons, nursing homes, hospitals, and public transportation should be reported to the
local county health department. |
