In recent years bed bugs have made a resurgence throughout the U.S. In response, the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department provides guidelines to help individuals and businesses with prevention, surveillance and control of bed bug infestations.

Based on reports from local health departments and pest control operators, bed bug infestations have been found in hotels, nursing homes, public housing, apartment complexes, moving vans, jails, furniture rental stores, dormitories and other multi-unit dwellings as well as in single-family homes.

Bed bugs are small, wingless, red-brownish, flattened insects that feed solely on the blood of animals. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is the species most adapted to living with humans.

The common bed bug is found worldwide. Infestations are common in the developing world, occurring in settings of unsanitary living conditions and severe crowding. In recent years, bed bugs have also made a comeback in the U.S. They are increasingly being encountered in homes, apartments, hotels, motels, dormitories, shelters and modes of transport.

For more information contact the health department at (304) 234-3682

 

Related Pages

Bed Bug Fact Sheet

 

Attachments

Bed Bug Information Sheet from Rutgers (PDF) Bed Bug Information Sheet from WVU Extension (PDF)