Bed Bugs May be Spreading MRSA

A new study from the Center for Disease Control suggests that bed bugs might be spreading a number of bacteria strains. While scientists aren't sure if the creepy crawlers are actually transmitting or just carrying the disease known as MRSA, there does seem to be a link. MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and is used to describe a number of strains of bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin. MRSA can be contracted through an open wound and can be highly dangerous and sometimes fatal. In a nutshell, it's bad news. So how can you stay safe from bed bugs? Follow these tips from the EPA! Check for signs. Bed bugs will leave small black or dark brown dots on sheets or the mattress. If you see this at home be wary -- and consider hiring a pest management professional to help. • Clean up clutter. Reduce the number of hiding places that bed bugs have. Just because their name is "bed bugs" doesn't mean that they don't hide out elsewhere. * Consider buying a mattress or boxspring encasement. If bed bugs are in your mattress, these make it more difficult for bed bugs to get to you while you sleep. * Wash those sheets. Be sure to frequently wash and heat-dry your bed linens, bed spreads and any clothing that touches the floor. And finally, Vacuum frequently and not just rugs the rugs. Hit the floors and every crevice. After vacuuming, discard the bag in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Otherwise these critters could find their way back.