Signs of a bedbug infestation:
– Bites on arms, legs, back
– Red stains or smears on sheets
– Live or dead bugs near your bed
What to if you have an infestation:
– Call your landlord
– Call 311 and make sure you get a “reference number” so you can track the disposition
– Call your alderman’s office
– Talk to your neighbors
– Hire a qualified exterminator
Before an exterminator arrives:
– Launder all linens and clothing, dry on high heat, store clean clothing in sealed plastic bags
– Steam clean and vacuum sofas, baseboards and carpeting
– Reduce clutter
– Seal/caulk cracks and crevices
– Proper extermination will require multiple visits
– Treatments such as “fogging” are ineffective; beware of companies that “pray-and-spray”
Additional resources:
– Safer Pest Control Project, a non-profit resource center spcpweb.org, 773-878-7378
– Chicago vs. Bed Bugs, a community organizing group: chicagovsbedbugs.org
– Metropolitan Tenants Organization, a tenants-rights group: 773-292-4988
Source: Safer Pest Control Project
