In August, the Ohio State University Extension in Butler County hosted a workshop for in-home providers on the creeping, crawling, human blood-sucking parasite, the bed bug.  Over 140 jprofessionals from mofre than 15 organizations came together to hear Dr. Susan C. Jones, Entolomologist and Household and Structureal Pest Specialist with The Ohio State University Extension, talk about a common concern facing everyone in Butler County.

The bed bug problem appears to be growing rapidly.  Dr. Jones told the group: "Bed bugs are not associated with filth or poverty.  Even four-star hotels have had problems. Bed bugs are not associated with filth or poverty.  Even four-star hotels have had problems.  Bed bugs are hitchhikers.  They are very good at clinging onto luggage, furniture, bedding, backpacks, purses and clothing." 

The bed bug population has been increasing in Butler County just like in neighboring counties.  Dr. Jones said there does not appear to be a single reason for the surge in infestations.  Bed bugs have always been in some regions of the world, and society is becoming increasingly mobile.

Effectively treating bed bugs is very expensive.  County resources do not exist to help with treatment.  The city and county health departments are limited as to what they can do.

Bed bugs are not known to spread disease.  All they want to do is suck your blood!  They do not fly but the do crawl quickly and cling tightly onto surfaces.  Their bites are painless but can cause severe itching.  Some people may have an allergic reaction.

So what can you do to solve a bed bug infestation?  Start by practicing preventive measures like:

• Make it standard practice to check for bed bugs in hotel/motel rooms.  Look under the covers.  Check the box springs.  Keep suitcases off the floor; use the luggage rack.  Keep clothes in a zippered suitcase.  DO NOT put your clothes in the drawers.  Check your luggage on your return.
• Launder bedding and clothing immediately if bed bugs are found.  They do not like hot temperatures so use hot water and a dryer for more than 15 minutes.
• Vacuum thoroughly.  This means behind the sofa and under the cushions.  Be sure to vacuum up 1/4 cup cornstarch or powder using the hose attachment as a final stage.  Bed bugs will cling to the inside of the attachment and crawl out later.  The powder will release them. 
  
• Encase your mattresses and box springs.  The most common place for bed bugs to hide is in the mattress.
• DO NOT use "bug bombs."  This only spreads the bugs all over the house.  Grocery store insecticide sprays and boric acid DO NOT work.
• Select a pest management company.  Check with the Better Business Bureau.  Typically they need more than one treatment.  Use only a licensed company.  Call the Ohio Department of Agriculture for a list at 1-800-282-1955.

For more information, photos and helpful brochures check out the following websites:

• http://centralohiobedbugs.org
• http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2105.html