Environmental Health Services

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat insects, usually brown or reddish-brown in color and about 1/4 of an inch long. They are typically active at night. Bed bugs are now common in the United States. They do not appear to transmit diseases.

More about bed bugs, including how to prevent infestations

Bed Bugs in Northern Kentucky

Locally, bed bugs have been found in hotels, apartment units, single family homes, libraries, workplaces, etc. The potential exists for them to be transported to almost any public building, vehicle or work site.

The Health Department’s Role

The Health Department does not have the authority to require bed bugs to be eliminated from private residences, such as homes and apartments. In public buildings, the Health Department only has the authority to act if the facility is inspected for another reason–for example, a hotel room, restaurant, school or youth camp.

More Information

• • • Contact the Health Department nkywebmaster@nkyhealth.org or 859-341-4151
    • Environmental Protection Agency
    • University of Kentucky’s Department of Entomology