Cincinnati and other cities across the nation are experiencing a huge increase in bed bug infestations.  Now the city is offering disposal of bed bug infested furniture.Here is a release from the City of Cincinnati on that program.City Establishes Bed-Bug Furniture Pick-Up Procedures and Hotline Cases of beg bug infestation (Cimex Lectularius) are increasing across the U.S. and Cincinnati. These insects are not known to spread diseases.


The City of Cincinnati Department of Public Services will collect properly prepared bed-bug infected materials. For the health and safety of City employees and to avoid further infestation, citizens are asked to wrap and seal all bed-bug infected items in plastic. All bed-bug infected items (i.e. furniture, mattresses, carpet, sofas, chairs, etc.) must be completely sealed in plastic and will be collected on regularly scheduled collection days.The frequently asked questions (FAQs) below will help address the collection of bed-bug infected items: Q: How do I know I have bed bugs?A: Usually the first sign of an infestation is the appearance of small rusty spots on your mattresses and bed linens. Red, itchy welts on the skin may also be an indication that bed bugs are present. Q: Do bed bugs carry disease?A: There is no scientific evidence that bed bugs transmit disease; however, scratching the bites may lead to skin infections. Q: Who do I call if I think my home or apartment has bedbugs?A: You may choose to contact a licensed pest control to determine if you have an infestation and to provide bug control services. The Cincinnati Health Department does not conduct inspections for bed bugs, but can provide informauon. Q: What number do I call for information about bed bugs?A: Call 591-6000 and press option 1 for Health Information and option 2 for Trash Collection Information. Q: How do I dispose of items affected with bed bugs?A: Completely wrap and seal all infected materials with plastic and place at your normal trash collection location. Q: Where do I get plastic to cover mattresses and large furniture?A: Mattress, furniture, and hardware stores seil mattress covers or large rolls of plastic that can be used to seal all parts of the affected furniture. Q: What if I put out items that are not collected?A: Remove materials from curb and properly seal all parts of the affected furniture in plastic. Call 591-6000 and place sealed materials at your normal trash collection location on your regularly scheduled collection day. Q: When will my materials be collected?A: Materials will be collected on your next collection day. Q: How are City employees protected from bed bugs?A: The Department of Public Services will offer bug repellant in an effort to protect our employees who may come in contact with bed bugs.For more information, please contact the City of Cincinnati Bed Bug Hotline at 591-6000.