We investigate bed bug complaints in licensed lodging facilities and provide education on bed bug control in private residential settings.

What are Bed bugs?

• Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep.
• They are about the size of an apple seed and a reddish-brown color. 
• They are wingless and cannot fly or jump.
• They often hide in bedding, mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls.
• Bites can become itchy and swollen and scratching can lead to infections.
• Although they are not known to transmit disease, they can have negative impacts on physical or mental health.  This includes allergic reactions to bites, severe anxiety, or insomnia.
• Once a population is established in a room or home, they can be difficult to control and eradicate.

FAQ

How do they spread?

Bed bugs are spread by attaching and hiding on belongings as people travel or move.  They are usually introduced through infested used furniture, clothing, luggage or other belongings.  

What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

• Waking up with red, itchy bite marks
• Rusty or reddish stains on sheets, mattresses, walls, or others places they hide
• Tiny egg shells or exoskeletons
• Visible bed bugs
• Sweet musty odor

How do you get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs can be very difficult to eradicate.  Some over-the-counter chemical treatments are ineffective and dangerous if not used properly.  The best method for getting rid of bed bugs is to a use professional pest control company that specializes bed bug treatment.

• Find a WI licensed pest control company
• Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control

Resources

• Bed Bugs - DATCP
• Bed Bugs - CDC
• Bed Bugs - EPA

About Ticks

• Ticks are known to spread several diseases, such as Lyme disease, to people and dogs in Wisconsin through their bite.
• There are many types that are commonly found throughout Wisconsin.  
• Most tickborne diseases are spread by the black-legged tick (deer tick).
• Not all ticks are infected and spread disease.
• Tick bites are most likely to happen in the spring, summer, and early fall.
• Ticks are very small and can be hard to spot, especially on dogs.
• Preventing bites is the key to reducing the risk for you and your dogs.

Human Tick Bite Prevention

• Understand where ticks live: grassy, brushy, and wooded areas.
• Avoid areas where high grass, leaves, and other vegetation will come into contact with you or your clothes.   Walk in the center of trails.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and other clothing that reduces exposed skin.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents on clothing and exposed skin.
• Do a tick check of your body and clothing after visiting high risk areas.
• Shower soon as possible after visiting high risk areas.

Dog Tick Bite Prevention

Dogs are very susceptible to bites and tickborne diseases.

• Avoid taking your dog to tick-infested areas.
• Use veterinarian approved tick prevention products.
• Carefully check your dog for ticks on a regular basis.  Focus on:  in & around the ears, around the tail, under the collar, around eyelids, under the front legs, between toes.

Resources

• Tick Removal (CDC)
• Tick Bite Prevention (DHS)
• Tickborne Diseases (DHS)
• Tick Identification (UW-Madison)
• Tick Safety Guide (DHS)

Despite their size, mosquitos are one of the world's deadliest animals, due to their ability to carry and spread disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites. Mosquitoes are known to spread multiple Illnesses in Wisconsin.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants during peak mosquito activity hours.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents following the instructions carefully.
• Apply permethrin to clothes and gear.   DO NOT apply directly to skin.
• Ensure screens on windows and doors are in good condition and tightly sealed.
• Stay indoors during peak hours, usually dusk through dawn.
• Mosquitoes need water to breed.  Regularly dump out water in anything that collects water in your yard, such as flower pots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, tires, bird baths, and trash cans.

Resources

• Mosquito Bite Prevention (DHS)
• UW-Madison Entomology