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Bed Bug Resources for the Inquisitive

Well folks, there is a lot of information out there on bed bugs.  There are few things everyone should know:

1. Bed bugs do NOT discriminate based on cleanliness, income, race, etc.
2. Not all bed bugs look the same and neither do all bed bug bites. In fact, a lot of people do not respond to bites at all! That's right, you can be bitten and not even know it!
   
3. Bed bugs do NOT transmit disease.  They can however cause anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.
4. Most pesticides, particularly those you can buy over-the-counter are ineffective and may  worsen the problem.  This is why you must steam clean and hire a professional.
5. If you are living in an apartment, know that the pest control company should inspect all adjacent units. 
   
6. You may not have to throw your mattress or other infested furniture items away.  If such items are in good condition they can be treated using a steam cleaner.

Everyone wants to know "how did this happen to me?"  It's not your fault.  Bed bugs are small, difficult to spot and hitckhike easily.  For now it isn't important how you got them, what is important is that you get rid of them!  Cooperating with you pest control operator, and if you're a renter your landlord, is essential in eliminating the problem.

If you are a renter and you suspect an infestation, call your landlord immediately.  Then call 311 and your Alderman's Office.  If your landlord is giving you a hard time or is not responding, please contact Metropolitan Tenants Organization.

Bed bugs are a nightmare for many, especially when you just can't seem to get rid of them.  They are one of the most difficult pests to eliminate.  For more information on how to get rid of bed bugs for good, check out Best Management Practices for Controlling Bed Bugs from Cornell University.  This is an excellent resource.  Another excellent resource is Chicago vs. Bed Bugs.  Jessica Kevan, a local dedicated activist developed this website in her spare time.  Way to go Jessica!  She has a ton of resources as well as information about the resurgence of bed bugs right here in Chicago.

If you're a renter and you've confirmed an infestation, do us all a favor and register your building on the Bed Bug Registry.You can do this anonymously if you want, and you only have to enter your street address, not your apartment number.  This is a great tool if you are moving and you want to know if a building has had an infestation or still does!  It is also great for travelers—you can search for hotels that have reported bed bug infestations on record.

There will be more to come......please check back in a week or so!

To all those suffering from bed bugs, know that you are not alone.  There are thousands of people in this city struggling with this problem.  Safer Pest Control Project is currently working with this city to address this issue.

49th Ward and Beyond Bugged by Bed Bugs

Ald Joe Moore & SPCP to the Rescue!

Representatives from Safer Pest Control Project met with Alderman Joe Moore's Office to discuss the resurgence of bed bugs in the community. Several apartment complexes have experienced major infestations, but bed bugs are not only confined to the 49th ward.  We are receiving phone calls from all over the city as far south as Englewood.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation download our factsheet, inform your landlord and call your Alderman's office.  It is important to remember that you are NOT the only one suffering from this and it is nothing to be embarrassed about.  Most likely if you have them, so too do others in your building.  Do not suffer in silence; make your concerns known.

IPM IN HOMES

No matter where you live-- in an apartment, house or dorm room-- there's something most of us have in common - a desire to have a home free of ants, mice, and other pests. Integrated Pest Management offers a method of getting rid of these pests while avoiding the use of pesticides that could have serious health consequences. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a proven method of pest control that emphasizes simple, inexpensive prevention practices that cause the least harm to people and the environment. IPM focuses on eliminating the root cause of pests by minimizing access to food, water and hiding places.

IPM has been successfully used by homeowners, landlords, and renters –including residents of public and low income housing. In fact, a nationally recognized IPM program that SPCP conducted in Chicago’s public housing development, Henry Horner Homes, resulted in an 83% drop in the pesticides used. Additionally, a study by Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York found that homes that began using IPM reported roaches down by 40%, whereas homes that didn’t use IPM had no reduction. view study

The following resources provide you with basic information to get started using IPM in your home.

 A fact sheet explaining the basics of IPM

 

 A list of steps to practice IPM in your own home

 

 A list of pest control companies that provide IPM services

Contact us with questions or for more information.