Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite: "Vigilance is the key"

DON'T LET THE BED BUGS BITE...

REPORTS OF BED BUGS INCREASING IN RAPID CITY

"Vigilance is the key" says City's Building Services Manager

RAPID CITY, SD--We've all heard it since we were small children, that famous nursery rhyme:

Good night, sleep tight

Don't let the bedbugs bite.

But if they do, then take your shoe and

Hit them till they're black and blue

            They can bite the exposed skin of sleeping humans and animals and feed on their blood.  They thrive in the sofas, bed mattresses, clothing and crevices of other furnishings.  They are found in all types of dwellings from private homes, dormitories and hotels to cruise ships, shelters and military barracks.

            They are bedbugs.  And in a word, they are 'disgusting'.

            The City is fielding an increasing number of calls and questions regarding bed bugs, including who has responsibility for pest control between landlord and tenant.  City code requires tenants to take care of any infestation once they take possession of a rental unit.  The landlord is responsible for pest control prior to the leasing of the unit.  Other questions surface as to proper measures homeowners and tenants can take to control or eradicate bed bugs.

            "We've had some questions and bed bugs can be a big issue," said Brad Solon,  manager of the City's Building Services Division, which conducts building inspections.  "As a homeowner or apartment tenant, vigilance is the key.  There are various precautions one can take and it's important to inspect second-hand items and clothing when you bring them into your home or residence."

            Bed bugs are resilient and can set up residence in homes and apartments on furniture, bedding, luggage, boxes and clothing.

            The City's Building Services Division shares the following EPA website which provides helpful precautions, control measures and other important information when it comes to bed bugs.  Measures include checking secondhand furniture, beds and couches before bringing them into the home; reducing clutter in the home to reduce hiding places for the bed bugs; vacuuming frequently; if using shared laundry facilities, transport items in plastic bags and fold item at home, etc.  For more complete information on bed bugs and precautions, visit:

https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/protecting-your-home-bed-bugs .

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Thank you,

Darrell W. Shoemaker | Communications Coordinator

T: 605.721.6686 | M: 605.939.8551

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W: www.rcgov.org

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