Bed Bugs in Chicago

" Bed bugs in Chicago is a growing problem as confirmed by a recent press release from the Illinois Department of Public Health.  This site provides an overview of Chicago area resources and Chicago based exterminators for bed bugs."  

Bed bugs are becoming a persistent problem, with several reports in Chicago.  Areas where there are tourists are particularly susceptible as they travel in luggage.  Recently a family in Chicago sued a local hotel complaining of bed bugs bites.  to fight the problem Chicago and Illinois government offers several resources that could help apartment and home owners.

In a press release dated 2/24/09 the Illinois Department of Public Health issued a press release stating that "bed bugs are making a comeback in Illinois."  They issued the release in reaction to an increase in the number of calls reporting bedbugs.  

In the mean time, the best way to avoid bed bugs is to not carry them into the home or apartment.  This includes the avoidance of used furniture and mattresses that may contain the bugs and inspect luggage when traveling before opening.

Bed bugs have been reported at local universities such as Loyola  and hotels all around Chicago including Naperville, Rosemont and Arlington Heights.

Local universities such as Wheeling Jesuit University are studying non toxic ways to fight the bed bug problem.

How to Kill Bed Bugs in Chicago

Here are some basic steps for fighting bed bugs.  If you go about it  yourself, you will need to be armed with information so that you can spot bed bugs and bed bug eggs, and the several types of products needed.  For example, sprays alone will not kill eggs.  The most cost effective way to purchase products and the needed information is through a kit such as the one offered by  All-Stop.  Home treatment can cost as much as $3,000 or more.

For step by step instructions see our guide to  how to kill bed bugs.  A brief summary is as follows:

1. Clean - bed bugs can be picked up with a vacuum.  Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after cleaning outside of the home.

2. Use the Washing Machine and Dryer - Wash clothes in hot water and then dry on high heat in the dryer for 20 minutes.  

3. Fill Crevices and Cracks - Bedbugs like to hide in gaps between the floor and walls are in joints of the bed frame. 

4. Encase Mattresses - Don't throw away your mattress.  Purchase a mattress cover that states it protects against bed bugs such as the AllerZip Waterproof Bed Bug Proof Zippered Bedding Encasement.

5. Reduce Clutter - Bed bugs look for cracks to hide in.  Throw out newspapers and magazines, since these are preferred hiding places.  

6. Steam Treatment - Only heat kills bed bug eggs.  A hand steamer will kill the bugs. 

Bed Bugs in Chicago - News Stories

Local University Studying Bedbugs
- WTOV9

Experts say bedbugs becoming a National Epidemic
- Daily Herald

Family Sues Holiday Inn Over Bed Bug Infestation
- CBS TV Chicago (6/22/09)

Bed Bugs are Biting Again, Health Officials Warn
- CBS TV Chicago (2/24/09)

Flea Market Find Turns Into Bedbug Nightmare
- WBBM TV Chicago (2/27/09)

Bed Bugs in Chicago Resources

There are many sources of bed bug help in Chicago:

The Illinois Department of Health can be contacted for information on Bed Bugs and  bed bug biology  at  the Health, Division of Environmental Health, 525 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761, 217-782-5830, TTY (hearing-impaired use only) 800-547-0466. They also offer a guide to bedbug prevention and control:

If you have Bed Bug complaints, the should first be reported to the municipality in which the infested location lies. If outside city limits, complaints can be reported to the appropriate county health department (not the state health department, i.e., IDPH).

City of Chicago - if you have bed bugs in your apartment or want to report discarded furniture or mattresses that you believe have bed bugs, dial 311 and report the incident.

An excellent source of up to the minute information on bed bugs in Chicago is the bed bug advocacy group called bedbugsvschicago.  It is a nonprofit organization advocating policy to control the spread of bed bugs in the City of Chicago.  It is similar to  an organization founded for the same purpose in New York.

If you would like to have an insect specimen examined for confirmation that you have a bed bug problem, download and send the specimen with this form provided by the Illinois Department of Health.

Chicago Exterminators for Bed Bugs

It is important that your selected pest control company has experience with bed bugs specifically.  They should have a treatment plan and access to specialized equipment if needed.  Compare quotes as a thorough bed bug extermination can take 2 workers all day to complete.  

Consider some of the following Chicago exterminators for bed bugs:

You can also check   Angies List for consumer reviews of bed bug service in Chicago.

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