Introduction

The common bed bug has returned as a significant pest problem across the United States. Although first recognized in the tourism industry in the late 1990’s, bed bug infestations are now a common issue for private residences. People dealing with an infestation can spread bed bugs to the homes of family and friends, to public places they visit, and to their work place. From there, bugs continue to relocate by hitchhiking on personal belongings.

We offer treatment recommendations to help you protect your home and belongings, and to stop the spread of bed bugs. This guidebook provides comprehensive instructions using methods currently available, and emphasizes techniques that do not rely on pesticide application. You may choose to hire a pest management professional and utilize their additional options for controlling bed bugs. But, you may still need to get bed bugs out of your personal belongings. This is a Do-it-Yourself guide that will help in either situation.

The document is divided into two sections:

• Part 1 is a list of household items that often need to be disinfested. For each item, a
  list of the techniques that can be employed from Part 2 are listed, as well as any
  special instructions for that item.
• Part 2 offers techniques for removing or eliminating bed bugs. For each technique
  there is a brief description, followed by a list of supplies you will need, “how
  to” instructions, special considerations, and advantages and disadvantages.

An important note before we get started. Elimination of bed bugs does not prevent a new infestation. People exposed to bed bugs in their daily lives, through work or travel, are always at risk of encountering bed bugs. Also, bed bugs can move between units in multiple-family dwellings and between rooms in a unit or home. They can move both ways for those who work in other peoples’ homes (health aide, nanny, house cleaners, etc.). The best approach is using preventative and proactive measures included here and in the NYS IPM factsheet, “How to Avoid Getting and Spreading Bed Bugs”.

Updated 6/27/2025