As you are likely aware from recent media reports, throughout the United States there has  been a resurgence of bed bug infestations. Based on reports from local health departments and pest control companies, bed bug infestations have been found in hotels, retail stores such as Abercrombie and Victoria's Secret, nursing homes, moving vans, furniture rental stores, public transportation, hospitals, apartment complexes, as well as private, single family homes.

According to the State of California Department of Health Services as well as The US Environmental Protection Agency, Los Angeles is one of the ten most affected cities in the  country. We need to do what we can to prevent infestation, detect and eradicate bed bugs so that  they do not become a problem in our building.

What Are Bed Bugs / What Do They Look Like?

What do bed bcrgs look like?

• Broad, oval shape with a flattened body when unfed
• They do not have wings and do not fly
• They have a pair of antennae that have 4 segments
• Their feeding "beak" is usually tucked on their underside, is 3 segmented and used as a  piercing and then sucking mouthpart
• Adults are about 1/4 inch long and easily visible if out in the open

Though their bite can cause irritation and even infection, bedbugs do not carry or transmit diseases. Bedbug bites can become itchy and may leave red bumps and marks. Bedbug bites may appear similar to a number of other insect bites.

To Prevent Bed Bugs In Your Apartment

• Over 80% of bedbug infestations are found in the mattress or box spring. While second hand mattresses and box springs can be salvaged, it is best to buy new mattresses and box springs that are less likely to be infested.
• Even if you do buy a brand new bed, often times the delivery truck may be infested  with bed bugs, since it usually carries off the old mattresses, so you should perform  an inspection and encase both the box spring and mattress just the same.  Make your sleeping quarters inhospitable to bedbugs. This can include buying  mattress encasements or using a steel bed frame.
• If you buy an antique or second-hand bed frame or other furniture, make sure to  inspect it thoroughly before bringing it into your home. 
• Reduce clutter. The fewer places bedbugs have to hide, the better your chances of catching an infestation before it can get established. 

If You Think You Have Bed Bugs

Put any bugs found into a sealed container so that they can be inspected to be sure they are bed bugs and report the finding to building management as soon as possible.