Bed Bugs in Long Term Care Facilities

Bed Bugs 101: A Long-Term Care Professional's Guide to Recognition and Prevention

Bed bugs reproduce quickly, so it's critical to detect and treat infestations early. Below are a few tips for spotting evidence of a budding bed bug problem and what you can do to help stop it.

"Spotting" the signs

• Bed bugs are typically in hiding during in the daytime, so it's difficult to spot them

• Instead, look for tiny, rust-colored stains they leave behind on mattress tags and seams, ceilings, under seat cushions and behind headboards (only need to inspect behind these every 3-4 mos.)

• Keep an eye out for potential hiding places (buckling wallpaper or carpet) or conditions that attract bed bugs like heat or moisture

• Report such issues to maintenance immediately

If traces of bed bugs are found:

DO NOT:

• Disturb the room further (leaving the "scene" untouched helps Orkin diagnose the problem)

• Take any items out of the room

DO:

• Take the room out of service and quarantine it

• If the room is occupied, work with management to move residents to a new room

• Contact Orkin immediately to (1) inspect the infested room and (2) pre-treat room to which any residents are to be moved

If Orkin inspection confirms bed bugs:

• Prepare the designated rooms for service according to Orkin's Bed Bug Service Preparation Checklist, which includes:

• • Pulling furniture into center of room and turning over

  • Removing or loosening all items attached to the walls

  • Loosening carpet around the perimeter of each room

  • Vacuuming the mattress, box springs and carpets along baseboards

Source: Bed Bugs 101 for Long Term Care Professionals (PDF)