Bed Bugs FAQ

Bed bugs are insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are fast-moving insects that are nocturnal feeders, hiding during the day in dark, protected sites close to humans.

Adult bed bugs are slightly smaller than a lady bug or about the size of Lincoln's head on a penny. They are reddish-brown in color with flat oval-shaped bodies . Bed bugs are wingless insects with six legs. They cannot jump or fly.  

The average lifespan of a bed bug is six to 12 months. Bed bugs can live for months without feeding.

Bed bugs are a growing worldwide problem emanating from increased global travel and decreased use of pesticides. They have been found in five-star hotels, hospitals, major retail stores, government offices and college residence halls.

Bed bugs are most frequently found in dwellings where many people sleep and where there is a high rate of occupant turnover. They can travel easily on clothing, linens and furniture. Bed bugs do not discriminate against any social or economic status, and bed bug occurrences are generally not a reflection of poor hygiene or uncleanliness.

Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, including blood-borne diseases such as HIV.

Although bed bug bites can cause severe itching, they are relatively harmless. An estimated three in 10 individuals exhibit no reaction to the bite of a bed bug, however, some individuals have a severe allergic reaction Although not dangerous, people with allergic reactions to several bites may need medical attention.

When a bed bug bites, it releases a salivary liquid that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions over time. Scratching the bites can cause secondary infections and scarring. The amount of blood loss due to bed bug feeding typically does not adversely affect an individual.

Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. While they are generally not carried on your person, they are known for traveling from areas of infestation on personal possessions, including clothing, furniture, bedding and suitcases.

A bed bug occurrence can be identified by:

• Tiny dark excrement stains or blood stains from crushed bed bugs that typically appear on sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses and in seams, cracks or crevices of beds and furniture.
• Molted skins and eggs shells, which look like small white-ish casings, that typically are found in seams, cracks or crevices of beds and furniture.
• Crawling or dead bugs.
  • In cases of severe infestation, a musty sweet smell may be present. 

Insect bites may also indicate the presence of bed bugs. Bed bug bites are identified by small welts similar to mosquito bites that appear in the morning or the middle of the night. These welts often occur in rows of three or more and can cause itching and discomfort.

A bed bug occurrence cannot be confirmed by examining a bite alone, and it is impossible for a medical professional to diagnose a bite as a bed bug bite. Insect bites, however, should be examined by a medical professional as they often mimic other conditions, such as scabies, contact dermatitis, poison ivy, and allergic reactions to detergents, body sprays, lotions, etc.

To check for bed bugs, examine areas around the bed and sleeping quarters for signs of bed bug activity, including excrement spots, skin casings and live or dead bugs. Bed bugs prefer areas around fabric, wood and paper. Areas that should be checked include: folds or seams in bedding and linens; seams, corners and buttons on mattresses and box springs; bedroom furniture, especially around the corners and crevices of headboards and footboards; and baseboards, moldings and carpet seams near and around the bed. Bed bugs often travel up, so you should also check the areas above your sleeping quarters, including artwork, wall hangings, curtains and walls.

Ohio University relies on its students, faculty and staff to assist in both preventing and containing any future bed bug occurrences. Here are some tips on how you can help prevent bed bugs:

1. Learn to identify bed bugs and check regularly for signs of their presence.
2. Do not bring infested items into your room or office. Be wary of any materials or items bought secondhand, including furniture, computers, books and clothing. If such items are purchased or otherwise acquired, they should be thoroughly inspected prior to being brought into a residence or office.
3. Inspect your belongings, including any personal items that you set down in your residence hall or University office, before coming to campus and especially after traveling. If you are exposed to bed bugs, it is recommended that you place clothing in a dryer on the highest setting for 30 minutes, followed by washing and drying the clothing. A temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit is needed to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
4. Keep rooms clean and tidy, eliminating areas for bed bugs to hide. Vacuum crevices and upholstery regularly.
5. Vacuum mattresses frequently and make sure they don't have cracks or tears.
6. Pull beds away from walls or other furniture, and tuck in sheets and other bedding to avoid contact with the floor or walls.
7. If you suspect or discover bed bugs, please complete the online pest form at https://www.ohio.edu/facilities/requests and contact Environmental Health and Safety at 740.593.2911. Students living in the residence halls should also notify their residence hall director or residential coordinator.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs when visiting an infected area. However, individuals who travel frequently and share living and sleeping quarters where others have previously slept have a higher risk of being bitten and/or spreading bed bugs.

Please complete the online pest form at https://www.ohio.edu/facilities/requests and contact Environmental Health and Safety at 740.593.2911. Students living in the residence halls should also notify their residence hall director or residential coordinator.
Environmental Health and Safety will contact you promptly to arrange an inspection of the area of concern. Do not spray over-the-counter pesticides, use home remedies or otherwise attempt to correct the situation yourself. Such actions are more likely to exacerbate the situation or cause it to spread.

Ohio University takes bed bug reports very seriously and has implemented a comprehensive pest management program to confirm suspected cases and to mediate confirmed cases. Each bed bug incident is evaluated to determine the most appropriate detection and treatment technique.

If a bed bug is found in an office environment on campus, individuals who work near areas where the confirmed case has been found will be informed by their department(s). Environmental Health and Safety will determine who should be notified based on several factors, including location, the degree of infestation and the amount of traffic traveling through that particular area.

Ohio University is vigilant and proactive in its approach to controlling bed bugs and responds promptly to confirmed cases of bed bugs.

The University's Environmental Health and Safety Department is responsible for coordinating all aspects of environmental management, occupational health, safety on campus, and implementing safety regulations for Ohio University. As part of its duties, the department is responsible for responding to bed bug reports when they occur on campus.

In addition to creating an informational campaign aimed at educating the Athens Campus about bed bugs and bed bug prevention, the University relies on its internal experts in addressing bed bug issues. Those experts include Chad Keller, OHIO's environmental health coordinator who also sat on the Ohio Department of Health's bed bug Workgroup; and Jneanne Hacker, executive director of Housing and Residence Life.