Bed Bugs in Long Term Care Facilities

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

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

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
    • 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
    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