Special thanks to ONPHA for allowing CHFT to modify and publish their bed bug information

Information and education are vital to preventing an infestation of bed bugs or to catching it quickly.  A proactive and open dialogue about bed bugs will help to reduce the stigma that surrounds an infestation and encourage members to be vigilant in inspecting their unit and to notify staff of potential concerns.

There are some quick and easy habits that can help staff and members to prevent and identify potential infestations. 

For members

• While curbside finds such as furniture, clothing, electronics and household objects can be tempting, there may be a reason that they have been discarded. Since bed bugs often infest soft, upholstered furniture like couches and chairs and can live in the joints of things like tables. Members should be given this information and be encouraged to avoid bringing discarded furniture and other items into their units.

• If members of the household notice unusual bites on their skin or stains on their bed sheets that could be blood, they should inspect the mattress and bed frame for small rust brown or black stains. If they find stains or bedbugs, or suspect that they have an infestation, encourage them to notify the staff immediately so that an inspection can be completed.

• If the unit has a bed bug infestation, members should be instructed not to remove furniture without first wrapping it in plastic and marking it as infested. Taking furniture through the common areas, like hallways and elevators, unwrapped will spread the infestation and make it more difficult to treat.

• Clear away clutter! Bed bugs can hide in small cracks and crevices so members should be encouraged to clean their unit, particularly around where they sleep. Items that you would like to keep should be sealed in boxes for a set period of time or left out to be treated depending on your pest control operator's instructions.

For staff

• Staff that enter members' units should be aware of where they set down possessions, such as bags and coats, and should inspect items once they have left members' units.

• Co-ops should develop and circulate a bed bug policy that identifies:  
  • how and to whom members should identify potential infestations;
  • the level and type of support available to members in preparing their units; and,
  • whether or not and when the co-op will compensate staff that develop bed bug infestations at home that may have come from their work in the co-op.
   
• Develop a list of community resources that can assist members who may need support preparing their units for treatment.

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