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Bed Bugs in Wisconsin
Questions and Answers
Are bed bugs found in WI?
Yes, bed bugs are found throughout Wisconsin. You should not be surprised if you find or learn about bed
bugs in your community. Bed bugs can be found in private homes, hotels, resorts, apartment complexes and
communal living facilities.
What are bed bugs and what do they look like?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularis) are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on human and animal blood usually
during the night. They are often reddish brown in color. Adult insects can be ¼ inch in length and have a shape
similar to an apple seed. Nymph stages (early life stages) of this insect are roughly the same size as the small
lettering on a penny.
Where do bed bugs live?
Bed bugs are most often found in areas where people live and sleep. Homes, apartments and hotel rooms are
common locations in which bed bugs are found. Often they are found within 8 to 10 feet of a bed. They are
experts at hiding and staying hidden. The cracks and crevices of head boards, mattresses, box springs and
night stands serve as hiding places for bed bugs. Bed bug infestations are not necessarily the result of poor
sanitary conditions; however, eliminating clutter will provide less area for hiding and will make treatment
more successful.
How do bed bugs spread?
Bed bugs are easily introduced into a home or a residential facility. This introduction is done by bringing
infested luggage, used furniture, clothing or other belongings from an infested area into a home or residential
facility. Bed bugs can also travel from infested rooms or units in hotels and apartments to other rooms or units
for a blood meal and they can survive for a long period of time without a blood meal.
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Bed bugs and fecal blood stains on a mattress.
Photo by Phil Pellitteri, UW Madison Insect
Diagnostic Lab
What are the health concerns associated with bed bug bites?
Bed bugs bite people to feed on their blood. They are not known to spread diseases. Individuals will react differently to
the bites and the reaction can range from a mild itching to a serious allergic reaction. Most people will have a small,
itchy, red welt that appears one to several days after the initial bite and is similar to that of a mosquito bite. Secondary
infections may occur from scratching the bite and may need medical attention. Anxiety and insomnia are additional
health concerns associated with bed bug bites. Anxiety has led people to take extreme treatment measures to get rid of
the bed bugs.
How do I know if I have a bed bug infestation?
The evidence you may find includes; finding bed bug bite marks on your
body, finding live bed bugs on your sheets and/or mattress, bed bug shed
skins (cast skins left when the insect advances to the next nymph stage),
their fecal blood stains (dark colored spots left on sheets, mattresses, head
boards) and possibly eggs.
What treatments are used to get rid of bed bugs?
Bed bugs are difficult pests to eliminate. Public awareness is an important
part of controlling this insect. It is recommended that you use a professional
pest control company to control an infestation. Professional pest control
companies use a combination of treatment techniques to control the
insects. These techniques may include:
Heat treatment—heating a room and its contents to above 120
degrees Fahrenheit. This is done through the use of a specially
designed and approved heating device.
Chemical treatment—pest control companies will apply approved chemicals according to the manufacturer’s
instructions (specifically labeled for indoor use and designed to kill bed bugs) in cracks and crevices where bed
bugs hide.
Steam treatment—mattresses, box springs and furniture can be treated with a steam producing device. The high
temperatures will kill the bed bugs
Vacuuming—a vacuum is used to physically remove insects from infested areas.
Bed bug trained dog—Using a bed bug dog team consisting of a trained dog and trained handler to locate bed
bugs and clear a room for use.
Treatment techniques to avoid:
Do not misuse treatment chemicals. Direct application of chemicals to the skin and excessive chemical
applications to mattresses have been responsible for chemical poisonings across the country. Manufacturer
instructions must be followed.
Do not apply chemicals labeled for outdoor use inside your home.
Do not apply chemicals that are not labeled and approved for use on bed bugs.
Do not use unvented fuel burning appliances (propane or kerosene heaters) inside your home to heat rooms.
How can I protect myself while I am traveling?
You can protect yourself from bed bugs when traveling by taking several precautions:
Discussing what actions a hotel is taking to prevent bed bug infestations. Assure they have a plan to deal with
infestations and are monitoring rooms.
Checking the mattress, box spring, head board and other furniture within 8 to 10 feet of the bed for insects,
shed skins and fecal blood stains.
When you first walk into a hotel room, store your luggage and belongings in the bathroom or bath tub until you
have found no evidence of infestation in your room.
Placing your clothing in a dryer on the hottest setting (above 120 F) for at least twenty minutes.
Carefully inspect your luggage and belongings for the insects or their eggs prior to returning to your home.
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Who do I contact if I find an infestation?
Hotels- inform the hotel manager or housekeeping of the infestation and contact the local health department if you wish
to file a complaint.
Apartments- inform your apartment manager and contact the local health department if you wish to file a complaint.
Homes- contact a professional pest control company.
Informational Links
CDC information on bed bugs: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/
Pest Control information: http://www.pestworld.org/all-things-bed-bugs/
EPA Bed Bug Clearinghouse: http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/bedbugs/bedbug-clearinghouse.html
Wisconsin Pest Control Association: http://wisconsinpest.com/
Michigan Manual for Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs
http://michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/Bed_Bug_Manual_v1_full_reduce_326605_7.pdf
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Division of Food & Recreational Safety
2811 Agriculture Drive, PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53718
Telephone (608) 224-4700
datcp.wi.gov
