Learn the Facts About Eliminating Bed BugsFUMIGATIONFACTSWhat do bed bugs look like? Adults of the common bed bug are about ¼-inch long, reddish to dark brown in color and have flattened bodies (see photo). They cannot fly, but can run quickly. Eggs and newly hatched nymphs are pale and very tiny — the size of a pinhead.How do bed bugs spread? Bed bugs spread easily by “hitchhiking” on all types of household and personal items, including clothing, bedding, furniture, luggage, wheelchairs, purses, wallets, backpacks and animal cages. Although bed bugs prefer wood and fabric over metal and plastic surfaces, they have been found infesting electronic devices, such as tablet PCs, and even hollow perches in birdcages.What do bed bugs feed on? The common bed bug prefers to feed on humans, but also can feed on a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and rodents. Bed bugs do not stay on a person or animal. They move from hiding places in bedding, furniture, cages and other nearby cracks and crevices to feed briefly at night. Adult bed bugs can live for at least several months without a feeding.What are signs of infestations by bed bugs? Look for the following:• Red, welt-like bites that itch and occur while sleeping (bed bugs feed at night).• Live bed bugs, eggs, molted skins of bed bugs, and dark brown or black spots (excrement).• Bed bugs hide and lay eggs in household and personal items, including mattress seams, box springs, bedding, headboards, picture frames, sofas, furniture, carpeting, drapes, electronics, and any crack and crevice as wide as a business cardPhoto courtesy of M. Potter, Univ. of KYPhoto courtesy of University of Florida, IFASSee reverse for important checklist information on how to prepare for a bed bug fumigation.Checklist for Eliminating Bed Bugs with Vikane® Fumigant®Trademark of Douglas Products.Vikane is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions.These materials have been created specifically for Vikane and no other fumigant. These materials may not be copied, whole or in part, or reproduced without the permission of Douglas Products.©2016 Douglas Products.U01-069-155 (09/16) BRFumigationFacts.comExample Packing Checklist — How to Leave the Bed Bugs Behind Bring as few items as possible when leaving the residence for the fumigation. Remember, bed bugs hitchhiking in suitcases, backpacks, boxes, clothing, bedding and pet cages is a common way for these insects to be introduced into buildings. Bed bugs have been found infesting small electronic devices, such as cell phones and tablet PCs. For all fabric items that will be taken out of the residence before the fumigation, wash in hot (140°F) water in clothes washer, dry in tumble clothes dryer set on “hot” setting for 30 minutes, or dry clean items before returning them to the fumigated residence. Fabric items include clothing, blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and pet bedding. Washing or drying items in high temperatures or dry cleaning is required to kill all life stages, including eggs, of bed bugs. Do not use boxes, purses, suitcases, backpacks, gym bags or any similar items from the infested residence to pack belongings. These items should remain in the residence to be fumigated. Pack belongings needed during the fumigation in light-colored or clear plastic bags or plastic containers, such as sweater boxes, or new luggage not previously stored in the infested residence. Do not place washed or packed items on furniture (beds, sofas, dressers, tables, etc.) or flooring (carpets or rugs) that may be infested with bed bugs. Immediately remove packed items from the infested residence or place them on a clean, hard surface (kitchen or bathroom floor, in a bath tub or shower) until they can be removed from the residence. Mattresses and pillows completely enveloped in waterproof coverings can be fumigated if the waterproof covering can be opened or contains built-in vents designed to permit air passage. Otherwise, mattresses and pillows completely enveloped in waterproof coverings must be removed prior to fumigation. It is advised that any removed mattress or pillows be discarded, or be covered by a bed bug encasement before being returned to residence after fumigation. (Water beds can be fumigated.) Pet cages, pet bedding, fabric toys, clothing, retractable leashes and other pet items which can harbor bed bugs should be fumigated. Pet cages with any small gaps, seams or hollow spaces that could harbor bed bugs should be left in the residence to be fumigated. Food in the cages should be removed prior to the fumigation. The pets should be transferred to new travel cages or housing known not to be infested with bed bugs to remove them from the residence prior to the fumigation. Pet bedding, fabric toys and clothing should not be removed from the residence before the fumigation unless these items can be washed, dried or dry cleaned as described above. Shoes and personal mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, baby strollers, child car seats and cars, can be infested with bed bugs and should be fumigated. These items can be fumigated as part of the residential fumigation or fumigated before the residential fumigation, if absolutely needed to vacate the residence during its fumigation. Talk to your licensed fumigator to coordinate treatment of these items. Next >