Bed Bugs, Bed Bugs Are Everywhere!

[Lori Allen _]

Over the course of the last several months, I am noticing mattresses that are laying out on tree lawns that are covered with bed bugs. Sometimes they are set out six days before garbage day. Understandably, the garbage department will not collect mattresses that are infested because it is a hazard. The residents are usually instructed to put the mattresses in a plastic bag if they are infested and then they will be picked up. However, most residents don't do this and the mattress sits on the tree lawn for weeks.

It also concerns me that I see children walking to and from school and bouncing on top of the infested mattresses.

If you see a mattress sitting out, the garbage men cannot be blamed because they are following proper procedure by not putting themselves in harm's way. Rather, when you see a mattress out, I would advise you to call thew Cuyahoga County Board of Health at 216-201-2000. Typically, they will send someone out to treat the mattress and take care of the issue.

Finally, if your children walk to school, please remind them to stay away from the mattresses.