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BED BUGS—A Guide for Rental Housing Residents Bed bugs,with a typical Iifespan of 6 to 12 months,are wingless, • Because bed bugs leave some persons with itchy welts strikingly flat,broadly oval-shaped insects.Capable of reaching the size of similar to those caused by fleas and mosquitoes,the origination an apple seed at full growth,bed bugs are distinguishable by of such markings often go misdiagnosed.However,welts caused their reddish-brown color,although after feeding on the blood by bed bugs often times appear in succession and on exposed of humans and warm-blooded animals—their sole food source— areas of skin,such as the face,neck and arms.In some cases, the bugs assume a distinctly blood-red hue until digestion is an individual may not experience any visible reaction resulting complete. from direct contact with bed bugs. Bed bugs don't discriminate • While bed hugs typically prefer to act at night,they often do Bed bugs increased presence across the United States in recent not succeed in returning to their hiding spots without leaving decades can be attributed largely to a surge in international traces of their presence through fecal markings of a red to dark travel and trade.It's no surprise then that bed bugs have been brown color,visible on or near beds.Blood stains tend also to found time and time again to have taken up residence in some appear when the bugs have been squashed,usually by au unsuspecting host in their sleep.And,because they shed,it's of the fanciest hotels and apartment buildings in some of the nation's most expensive neighborhoods. not uncommon for skin casts to be left behind in areas typically frequented by bed bugs. Nonetheless,false claims that associate bed bugs presence with poor hygiene and uncleanliness have caused rental housing Preventing bed bug encounters when traveling Because humans serveas bed bugs'main mode of transportation, residents,out of shame,to avoid notifying owners of their it is extremely important to be mindful of bed bugs when away presence.This serves only to enable the spread of bed bugs. from home.Experts agree that the spread of bed bugs across all While bed hugs are,by their very nature,more attracted to regions of the United States is largely attributed to an increase clutter,they're certainly not discouraged by cleanliness. in international travel and trade.Travelers are therefore Bottom line:bed bugs know no social and economic bounds; encouraged to takea few minutes upon arriving to their temporary claims to the contrary are false. destination to thoroughly Inspect their accommodations,so as Bed bugs don't transmit disease to ensure that any uninvited guests are detected before the There exists no scientific evidence that bed bugs transmit disease. decision is made to unpack. In fact,federal agencies tasked with addressing pest of public Because bed bugs can easily travel from one room to another,it health concern,namely the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency is also recommended that travelers thoroughly inspect their used luggage and belongings forbed bugs before departing for home. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,have re to elevate bed bugs to the threat level posed by disease Bed bug do's and don'ts transmitting pests.Again,claims associating bed bugs with • Do not bring used furniture from unknown sources into disease are false. your dwelling. Countless bed bug infestations have stemmed Identifying bed bugs directly from the introduction into a resident's unit of second- Bed bugs con often be found in,around and between: hand and abandoned furniture.Unless the determination can • Bedding be made with absolute certainty that a piece of second-hand • Bed frames furniture is bed bug-free,residents should assume that the • Mattress seams reason a seemingly nice looking leather couch,for example,is • Upholstered furniture,especially under cushions and along sitting curbside,waiting to be hauled off to the landfill,may seams very well be due to the fact that it's teeming with bed bugs. • Around,behind and under wood furniture,especially along • Do address bed bug sightings immediately. Rental housing areas where drawers slide residents who suspect the presence of bed bugs In their unit • Curtains and draperies must Immediately notify the owner. • Along window and door frames • Do not attempt to treat bed bug infestations. Under no • Ceiling and wall junctions circumstance should you attempt to eradicate bed bugs.Health • Crown moldings hazards associated with the misapplication of traditional and • Behind and around wall hangings and loose wallpaper non-traditional,chemical-based insecticides and pesticides • Between carpeting and walls(carpet can be pulled away from poses too great a risk to you and your neighbors. the wall and tack strip) • Do comply with eradication protocol. If the determination • Cracks and crevices in walls and floors is made that your unit is indeed playing host to bed bugs,you • inside electronic devices,such as smoke and carbon monoxide must comply with the bed bug eradication protocol set forth detectors by both your owner and their designated pest management company. 02022,National Apartment Association,Inc.-6/2022,Washington 0Page 3 of 3