Insects
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are reemerging as a public health concern for private citizens and the hospitality industry. While they can cause much distress, inconvenience and even property loss, they do not transmit disease. The health department does not assist with the removal or identification of bed bugs.
Information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states:
- Bed bugs are not known to spread diseases to people.
- Bites can cause itching, loss of sleep, and, rarely, allergic reactions.
- Prevent bed bugs by regularly looking for signs of infestation.
Bed bugs are best described as a wingless, reddish-brown insect that is about the size of an apple seed (1/4 to 3/8 inch long).
Bed bug infestations can happen anywhere and to anyone. The best method of treatment is prevention. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs do not travel long distances to infest homes. You or someone you know typically introduces bed bugs to your home. Bed bugs may be found on new or used furniture, in hotel or bed and breakfast rooms, or when someone temporarily stays at your home. The Office of the State Fire Marshall is responsible for licensing hotels, motels, and single room occupancies in the State of Ohio. To make a complaint regarding hotels, motels, or single room occupancies in the State of Ohio, contact the State Fire Marshall at (888) 276-0303.
Infestation of bed bugs can be very difficult to manage. Early detection of bed bugs can make infestations easier to control. If you think you have a bed bug infestation, contact a professional pest control company experienced in treating bed bugs.
For more information, please visit the links below.
Ticks
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) are the most common diseases spread by ticks and have been reported more frequently in the past decade. Tick exposure is most likely to occur in high grass, bushy, and wooded areas affecting both humans and animals. In Ohio, tickborne illnesses are most often transmitted between early spring and late fall since ticks are most active during warm months.
Take action to decrease your risk of infection. Wear repellent containing up to 30% DEET, check your body daily for ticks, limit your exposure to ticks and tick habitats.
The Ohio Department of Health suggests taking these actions to decrease your risk of infection: protect against tick bites, check for ticks, remove ticks as soon as you can, and watch for symptoms.
Additional information and resources can be found at:
ODH Tickborne Diseases in Ohio
Mosquitoes
People react differently to mosquito bites. Some people have only a mild reaction to a bite, while others have a more severe reaction. Sometimes, mosquitoes can spread disease through bites that can make you sick. Viruses like West Nile and Zika or parasites like Malaria can be spread through infected mosquitoes. Prevent illnesses by protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
- Use Insect Repellent
Use an insect repellent that contains up to 30% DEET. Always follow label instructions. Do NOT apply repellent directly to a child’s hands, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin. It is recommended to apply repellent to an adult’s hands and then apply to a child’s face.
- Wear Protective Clothing
Wear lose fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants.
- Stop mosquitoes in and around your home by:
Remove standing water from your property. Standing water provides breeding areas for mosquitoes. Standing water is often found in neglected swimming pools or children’s wading pools, bird baths, toys that can hold water (wagon), garden equipment that can hold water (wheel barrel), flat roofs, clogged rain gutters, old tires or other trash that can hold water, pet bowls, and uncovered boats.
Make sure your windows and doors are covered with screens, and they are free from holes, tight fitting, and are not broken.
Additional Resources and Information can be found at: