Bed Bug Information
The City of Chicago is committed to providing residents with the best information to protect themselves from bed bugs. Most experts agree that public education and awareness provides the best defense against bed bugs. The need for good education is reflected in the City’s Bed Bug Ordinance. Go here to find out more information a about the ordinance.
The following fact sheets have been provided by Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC), the City’s delegate agency for bed bug control. MPAC is a not for profit organization devoted to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by advocating for the use of Integrated Pest Management, or IPM – a proven, effective and economical method of pest control that aims to eliminate the root causes of the pest problem. Go here for a list of MPAC’s free training opportunities both live and online or contact us at at general@pesticideaction.org or (312) 878-7378 for a customized workshop.*
Bed bugs can live almost anywhere, from apartment buildings to four star hotel rooms. A combination of the bed bug’s evolution, resistance to pesticides, global warming, and a lack of public awareness has hastened their spread. Bed Bugs are unlike other pests and are difficult to control without a full understanding of how to identify, prevent, and treat for them. Please review the information provided carefully.
Q: What are bed bugs?
A: Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are parasites that feed on human blood. Adult bed bugs are about the size, shape and color of an apple seed. They live wherever humans sleep, feed mostly at night, and can reproduce rapidly.
Q. Do bed bugs spread disease?
A. No research has linked Bed bugs to the spread of disease. Most health problems associated with bed bugs involve itching and infection from their bites and loss of sleep.
Find more information on bed bugs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Bed Bug Information Clearing House, or from the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Bed BugFact Sheets
These fact sheets provides background information, facts, and control strategies, available in English and Spanish.
Bed Bugs Fact Sheet - Mandarin
The Landlords Checklist gives landlords and building managers basic information about responding to the growing bed bug problem, available in English and Spanish.
The Tenant Checklist gives tenants a checklist for things they can do if they suspect a bed bug problem available in English, Spanish, Chinese
The Bed Bug Ordinance fact sheets provide some basic information to residents about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords according to Chicago’s bed bug ordinance. For official City of Chicago information and resources on the ordinance, go here.
Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants – English
Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants – French
Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants - Arabic
Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants - Burmese
If you make a purchase of a mattress or other furniture in the City of Chicago and suspect bed bugs, you can file a consumer fraud complaint here. There’s more information on about purchasing a mattress on the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection website.
Purchasing A Mattress In Chicago Fact Sheet
Filing a Complaint
You can report instances of bed bug infestation in an apartment building or commercial building by calling 311 or by filing an online complaint with the Department of Buildings.
Upcoming Bed Bug Training and Events
Need more help with your bed bug issues? Looking for training on bed bug management and prevention? Midwest Pesticide Action Center, Chicago's delegate agency on pest control, can help!*
Go here for a list of free training opportunities both live and online.
Email us at general@pesticideaction.org or call us at (312) 878-7378 for a customized workshop or more information.
*Brought to you with generous support from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
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