Bedbug cases reported in Prairie du Chien area
Bedbugs appear flat, oval, wingless and are amber to rust colored. Bites from these insects are usually raised, itchy and occur at night. If you think you might have them, contact the public health department at 326-0229.
By Correne Martin
The Crawford County Public Health Department has received reports of and identified three cases of bedbugs in private homes in Prairie du Chien within the last two weeks.
Crawford County Public Health Director Gloria Wall is asking for the public’s cooperation in eliminating this problem in the community.
“Bedbugs have been widespread for some time. They spread and multiply rapidly,” she said. “If you think you might have them, watch for bites. Bedbug bites are usually raised, itchy and occur at night.”
If you see the insects (the bugs appear flat, oval, wingless, and are amber to rust colored), Wall suggests considering professional help to get rid of them.
“They don’t like light, and because they hide in crevices, it is hard to assure the bug bombs get to them,” she stated. “If you live in an apartment, call your landlord to help protect your neighboring tenants.”
According to Wall, each of the cases was identified via pictures sent to the state Department of Health Services.
To prevent bedbugs from settling in your home, the best precaution to take is “clean, clean, clean,” Wall noted. “We like to leave dirt sit in our vacuum bags, but we should be throwing it out. You can also put your clothes in the dryer for 20 minutes if you suspect you might have brought bedbugs into your home.”
If you think you may have bedbugs in your home or business, Wall said, the best place to start is the public health department, which you can reach at 326-0229. They can guide you through the issue.
