Bed bug infestations on the rise

You have heard the saying, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.
The Douglas County Health Department is reporting cases of bed bugs are on the rise. Reid Steinkraus is the supervisor of health control at the Douglas County Health Department and he says people need to be extremely careful when purchasing or accepting used furniture and mattresses as they can be infected.
Bed Bugs are reddish-brown in color similar to a tick and they do suck blood. Another way to tell if you may have a problem is when you notice small dots of blood on linens. Bed bugs have developed a tolerance to pesticides. Steinkraus says if you suspect bed bugs, make sure to wash all linens in hot water and dry in a very hot dryer. Then you need to go over the mattress, box springs and headboard with a vacuum. If you still notice problems, you may need to call in a professional pest controller.
Steinkraus notes bed bugs can travel between apartment units. People can also bring them home after traveling from a hotel or motel.