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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Do you or somebody you know have bed bugs?

The Ottumwa Housing Authority held a seminar, ‘The Facts About Bed Bugs’ Monday evening at the Bridge View Center.

President of Preferred Pest Control Brad Smith gave an hour long presentation to more than 100 individuals covering how you get bed bugs, what to do if you have them, what are the signs, and common hiding spots.

“I think the most important thing to realize about bed bugs is that they are a real problem and if you suspect any type of bed bug you need to take care of it. The most common thing people tell me is, ‘I always thought that was a nursery rhyme. Don’t let the bed bugs bite, sleep tight.’ But it’s a lot more real than that.”

Smith said in his 25 years working in pest control, he maybe responded to two cases of bed bugs per year. Then four years ago bed bug cases have exploded.

“If they continue growing at this rate we will have an epidemic in a few years.”

Smith said bed bugs are a national problem, not just something here in Iowa.

In his opinion, the best way to kill bed bugs is to heat them above 120 degrees. He said this kills them in all of their life stages.

Smith said bed bugs can go survive more than a year without eating. They survive on humans.

Bed bugs can affect anybody, and the level of cleanliness at your residence will not affect if you get them or not.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, have your residence looked at by a professional.