What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on blood. They are most active at night and may bite people or animals while they are sleeping or resting.
Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease. However, some people may have skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other discomfort from bed bug bites.
What should I do if I find bed bugs?
Bed bug infestations are usually best handled by a licensed pest control professional. A professional can help confirm whether bed bugs are present and develop an appropriate pest management plan.
The Health Department does not have financial resources available to assist with bed bug treatment and is unable to recommend specific pest management companies.
The resources below provide information about bed bug identification, prevention, travel tips, and control.
Bed bug resources
- University of Minnesota Extension: Bed Bugs Opens in a new tab.
- U.S. EPA Bed Bug Prevention, Detection, and Control Brochure Opens in a new tab.
- Montana DPHHS Bed Bug Early Detection Guide Opens in a new tab.
- U.S. EPA: Introduction to Bed Bugs Opens in a new tab.
- U.S. EPA: How to Find Bed Bugs Opens in a new tab.
- U.S. EPA: Hiring a Pest Management Professional for Bed Bugs Opens in a new tab.
- U.S. EPA: Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs Opens in a new tab.
- U.S. EPA: Tips for Travel Opens in a new tab.
- Montana DPHHS: Keeping Bed Bugs out of Montana Hotels Opens in a new tab.
Photo source: CDC Public Health Image Library Opens in a new tab.