Ohio is among the most bed-bug-infested states. Correct identification is key to effective management.
Bed Bug Habits
- Prefer to feed at night on human blood.
- Hide during the day in cracks, crevices, and dark places.
- Cannot fly but walks very fast.
- Can survive several months without feeding if a host is absent.
In-Home Prevention and Maintenance
- Use special bed bug-proof covers (encasements) on mattresses and box springs, leaving them on for at least a year to prevent bugs from entering or escaping.
- Reduce items under the bed and in the bedroom to remove potential hiding spots.
- Vacuum frequently, focusing on mattresses, box springs, carpets, and baseboards, then immediately seal and dispose of the vacuum bag.
- Wash and dry bedding and clothing on high heat to kill bugs and eggs.
- Repair peeling wallpaper, seal cracks in plaster, and caulk gaps in baseboards or furniture.
Preventing Introduction from Outside
- Inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs (check behind headboards). Keep luggage on metal racks, in the bathroom, or in sealed plastic bags rather than on the bed or floor.
- Thoroughly inspect used furniture, clothes, and mattresses for signs of bugs (fecal spots, casings) before bringing them home.
- Immediately wash and dry clothes from trips on high heat and inspect suitcases thoroughly.
- If you have guests, encourage them to keep luggage off carpets and beds, or provide a designated spot.
Monitoring and Early Detection
- Place bed bug interceptors (e.g., ClimbUP) under the legs of beds and upholstered furniture to catch bugs trying to climb up or down.
- Regularly inspect your mattress and furniture, especially after traveling or having guests.
- If living in shared housing, promptly report any signs of bed bugs to management, as they can travel between units.
Living in Shared Housing?
- Bed bugs spread through walls, pipes, and shared hallways in multi-unit buildings. An infestation in one unit may spread to others through no fault of the residents.
- Promptly report any signs to building management.
- If management is unresponsive, contact your local health department
- In Ohio, tenants have the right to a pest-free unit.
To learn more, scan the QR code (click to enlarge it) or visit Bed Bugs, The Ohio State University (u.osu.edu/bedbugs).
For assistance or inquiries on bed bug infestations, email bedbugs@osu.edu.
Acknowledgments
This resource is provided by the Oladipupo Lab at The Ohio State University. This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management, Extension Implementation Program [Project Award No: 2024-70006-43574] from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. government determination or policy.
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit the USDA Non-Discrimination Statement (cfaes.osu.edu/nondiscrimination). For an accessible format of this publication, request an accommodation (cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility).
Additional Resources
- The Bed Bug Threat
ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-0103 - Extension & Outreach
oladipupo-hub.github.io/theoladipupolab-site/extension-and-outreach.html