Bed Bug FAQs

The CDC has rules that bed bugs do not generally spread diseases that can affect people. However, excessively scratching bed bug bites might lead to an increased chance of a secondary skin infection. 

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be picked up almost anywhere. They don’t appear because of dirt or poor hygiene — they simply travel easily from one place to another. Common ways people bring bed bugs home include:

• Staying in infested hotels, motels, or rental properties
• Bringing home used furniture, mattresses, or clothing
• Traveling on public transportation such as buses, planes, or trains
• Visiting infested homes, offices, or public spaces
• Having guests or service workers who unknowingly carry them in
• Moving between shared housing units (apartments, dorms, hotels)

Even the cleanest homes and businesses can experience bed bug problems, which is why professional inspection and treatment are key to eliminating them completely.

Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts on the skin. They’re usually found on areas exposed while sleeping — such as the arms, legs, neck, and shoulders. Bites may

• Appear in a line or cluster pattern
• Become swollen, inflamed, or itchy within a few hours
• Vary in appearance from person to person — some people show no reaction at all

Because bed bug bites can look similar to mosquito or flea bites, it’s important to look for other signs of infestation (such as stains, shed skins, or live bugs) to confirm their presence.

1. Clean the bite area: Wash gently with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Apply a cold compress: Use an ice pack or cold cloth for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and itching.
3. Use anti-itch creams: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can help relieve itching.
4. Take oral antihistamines if needed: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can ease itching and allergic reactions.
5. Avoid scratching: Scratching can lead to infection and prolong healing.
6. Keep nails trimmed: Helps prevent breaking the skin if you do scratch.
7. Monitor for infection: Seek medical attention if bites become red, swollen, painful, or develop pus.
8. Treat your home: Contact a professional pest control service to eliminate bed bugs and prevent further bites.

Learn more here at the American Academy Dermatology Association website.

1. Respond promptly: Address tenant reports immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.
2. Inspect the property: Hire a professional pest control service to confirm the presence and extent of bed bugs.
3. Notify tenants: Inform all affected tenants about the situation and provide guidance on preparation for treatment.
4. Coordinate treatment: Work with licensed exterminators to schedule and oversee proper bed bug eradication.
5. Prepare the unit: Ask tenants to declutter, launder bedding, and move furniture as directed by pest control professionals.
6. Document everything: Keep records of complaints, inspections, treatments, and communications for legal and safety purposes.
7. Follow up: Conduct post-treatment inspections to ensure the infestation is fully resolved.
8. Prevent future infestations: Encourage regular inspections, tenant education, and proper housekeeping practices.

Here are the laws that affect the treatment of bed bugs in the State of Kansas. 

Kan. Admin. Regs. § 4-27-2, Lodging Establishments -Definitions

• Bed bugs are defined as an "imminent health hazard".

Kan. Admin. Regs. § 4-27-5, Lodging Establishments -Imminent Health Hazard

• Licensees of lodging establishments shall cease operations in areas where an "imminent health hazard" has been found and will notify the Secretary of Agriculture within 12 hours.
• A lodging establishment is a "short-term rental" such as a motel, hotel, resort, or inn. 

Kan. Admin. Regs. § 4-27-9, Lodging Establishments -Guest Rooms

• No guest room that is infested by insects, rodents, or other pests shall be rented until the infestation is eliminated.

Washing your clothes while on vacation can help reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home, but it won’t completely prevent an infestation. Bed bugs can hide in luggage, shoes, and other belongings, so even freshly washed clothes could be exposed again. The most effective prevention is to inspect your hotel room, keep luggage off the bed and floor, and use sealed bags for dirty or clean clothes. Once home, laundering and drying clothes on high heat is the safest way to kill any hitchhiking bed bugs.

While fleas and bed bugs can look very similar, there are distinguishable signs. 

Location on the body:

• Bed bug bites: Often appear on exposed areas like arms, legs, neck, and face.
• Flea bites: Usually around the ankles, feet, and lower legs.

Bite pattern:

• Bed bug bites: Often appear in a line or cluster (“breakfast, lunch, dinner” pattern).
• Flea bites: Tend to be scattered or in small groups of 2–3.

Appearance:

• Bed bug bites: Red, swollen, sometimes with a darker red center; may blister in sensitive individuals.
• Flea bites: Small, red bumps with a central puncture; often surrounded by a halo of redness.

Itching intensity:

• Bed bug bites: Can be very itchy, sometimes delayed several hours or days after the bite.
• Flea bites: Usually very itchy immediately after the bite.

Timing of bites:

• Bed bug bites: Typically occur at night when sleeping.
• Flea bites: Can occur anytime, especially if pets are present.

Associated environment:

• Bed bug bites: Found in homes, hotels, and places where people sleep.
• Flea bites: Often linked to pets and areas where animals frequent.

For more information, please visit Tom's Guide.

• Lavender – often used in essential oils or sachets.
• Peppermint – strong minty scent can deter bed bugs temporarily.
• Eucalyptus – essential oil may help mask human scent.
• Tea Tree Oil – thought to have insect-repelling properties.
• Clove – pungent aroma can discourage bed bugs.
• Lemongrass – citrusy scent that may act as a deterrent.

See this website for more information:

Tip Bulletin

Bed bugs are incredibly resilient and can survive for months without feeding, but they won’t go away on their own. Adults can live 4–6 months without a blood meal, and in cooler environments, they may survive even longer. Because of their hardiness and ability to hide in small cracks and furniture, professional treatment is the only reliable way to fully eliminate an infestation—waiting them out is not effective.