Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Q: What should we know about bed bugs?

A: Let's begin this answer by dispelling some bed bug myths.

MYTHS

MYTH: Bed bugs only live in humid climates, not in the desert.

TRUTH: Bed bugs can occur in almost every region and country world-wide. Recently their presence has made news in New York City; Fort Worth, Texas; Boulder, Colo.; Seattle; Sacramento, Calif., and San Francisco.

MYTH: Bed bugs are associated with filth.

TRUTH: Bed bugs may be associated with clutter, but not cleanliness. They are an exposure pest and not associated with living conditions. Some of the most immaculate, swank homes, hotels and shops fall victim to bed bugs.

MYTH: Bed bug bites transmit disease.

TRUTH: Bed bugs, like mosquitoes and fleas, are a nuisance because they suck blood and cause red, itchy welts, but they are not known to spread disease.

MYTH: You can't see bed bugs.

TRUTH: You most definitely can see them. The look like flax or apple seeds, and get much bigger and darker after a meal. They are, however, very good at hiding.

WHAT ARE BED BUGS?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. Their methodology is somewhat akin to the way mosquitoes bite. They are prolific: An individual bug can lay up to 250 eggs in a lifetime. They can survive up to a year without a food source. They are active at night when people are asleep. They live in beds and furniture and often hide in cracks, floors or walls. They get into your house in a number of ways:

Travel: When you go on a trip, especially an international trip, there may be bed bugs in your hotel room. They can hitch a ride home with you in or on your luggage.

Scavenged furniture: Bringing in items left out on the curb can transport bed bugs.

From an adjacent apartment: Bed bugs can live or crawl in the space between walls, and by doing so, enter new territory.

Even though bed bug bites are relatively benign, they do cause unsightly welts and uncomfortable itching. Just knowing they are around can have a mental impact and cause insomnia, phantom sensations and paranoia that the creatures are lodged in your personal belongings.

PREVENTION

There are some things you can do to prevent bed bugs from coming to your home.

If you are suspicious, immediately upon returning from travel you should wash all clothes in hot water and inspect your luggage.

Inspect all used furniture before bringing it into your home.

Never bring scavenged furniture or appliances into your home.

SIGNS

Bed bugs usually, but not always, live around the bed. If you awaken some morning with suspicious bites, check the mattress, taking time to carefully inspect the seams and crevices. Another telltale sign is dots on the sheets, mattresses, box springs and other bedding.

WHAT IF?

If you have the misfortune of having to deal with bed bugs, it is highly recommended that you call an exterminator. There are methods, albeit rather extensive, that can address the problem. Eradication may involve moving and sometimes disassembling furniture. Non-chemical control such as vacuuming, scrubbing, steaming, and CO2 spray often accompany insecticide treatments. Effective bed bug insecticides are commercial products that require special training and equipment. They are not readily available over-the-counter. Some pest control professionals have specially trained dogs that sniff out the exact location of the bugs.

If you end up with items that need to be discarded, never resell or donate these items. They should be rendered useless by cutting or poking holes in them. When discarding them tape on a sign that says, "Infested with Bed Bugs."

BED BUGS and

CARSON CITY HEALTH

AUTHORITIES

CCHHS handles complaints about bed bugs if the infestation occurs in regulated facilities such as motels, in which case a licensed pest exterminator is required. On request, CCHHS provides information and advice to multiple-dwelling residents and managers on bed bug prevention and elimination. Pamphlets about bed bugs are available for all at CCHHS.

PARENTS: Don't wait till the last minute to get your children's immunizations. Schools require proof of vaccinations. Immunizations are offered at Carson City Health and Human Services every Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch.

WHOOPING COUGH

In neighboring California, confirmed cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, is now four times that of last year. The five infants who died from it caught it from adults. Infants are not adequately protected by their whooping cough immunizations until they are 6 months old. For this reason, local health officials encourage Tdap boosters for any adult that is in close contact with an infant, as well as regular immunizations for infants and children. Whooping cough boosters for adults and vaccine for infants is available at Carson City Health and Human Services.

Carson City Health and Human Services Clinics

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, by appointment

WHERE: 900 East Long Street, Carson City

CALL: 775-887-2195

Thursday is Immunization Day

HOURS: 8:30 -11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m., no appointment needed

On the Web

www.GetHealthyCarsonCity.org

Take a quick survey about smoke-free parks and events at: www.surveymon key.com/s/26GV68W or through our Facebook page.

• Pam Graber is the public information officer for Carson City Health and Human Service. She can be reached at pgraber

@ci.carson-city.nv.us