Bedbug Basics

Ohio’s bed bug problem is improving, with only two major cities on Orkin’s top 10 list for 2020, instead of four in 2014. Despite the progress, bed bug infestations continue to be a challenge, particularly for low-income, disabled and senior households.

The Centers for Disease Control and the EPA have identified bed bugs as a pest of significant public health importance. While they are not known at this time to transmit disease, seven in 10 people who are bitten by bed bugs experience itchy, red welts; the more severe of these reactions may require medical attention. Bed bugs can also cause great anxiety and distress. (See EPA’s bedbug website). Bed bug pesticide use and misuse in attacking the infestation has become a related health problem. For a helpful list of questions and answers about bed bugs, see the OSU Bed Bugs FAQ from the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

In August 2020, the US EPA registered a new active ingredient called nootkatone for use in insecticides and inset repellants. Nootkatone is derived from grapefruit and used in the fragrance industry. It’s considered an effective repellant against mosquitos and a wide variety of biting pests, including bed bugs, and can now be used to formulate repellants and possibly insecticides. Products may come become available in 2022.

How are bed bug infestations handled in Ohio?

Ohio is a “home rule” state where local governments can decide what is a public health nuisance. Many health departments consider bed bugs annoying but not a health risk since they are not known to transmit disease. Many do not offer to investigate complaints since they have no authority to issue orders.

In cities and counties where bed bugs are considered a public health nuisance, or the local government has interpreted language in an existing code to cover bed bugs, the health department or code enforcement have the authority to investigate infested buildings and order the landlord to treat.

The lack of clarity over who pays for treatment is a gray area in Landlord Tenant law. The state has not passed legislation that defines bed bugs as a public health nuisance.

What if a tenant is disabled and is unable to prepare for bed bug treatment?

Disabled tenants unable to handle preparations for treatment can request “reasonable accommodation” through state and federal fair housing law. Resources to prepare for treatment can be difficult to find. Check the resources in “Finding Assistance”, and if none is available for your situation, reach out to organizations, religious institutions and agencies in your area that have emergency assistance funds for low-income, disabled and senior households.