"“Despite less travel in 2020, bed bugs were still biting in Chicago, a popular hub for tourism,”. Bedbugs are a growing problem as confirmed by a ranking released by Orkin stating Chicago placed the #1 spot on the bed bug list. In a recent survey, Chicago was named as having the 1st largest bed bug problem in the United States. This site provides an overview of Chicago area resources, do it yourself suggestions and tips for selecting Chicago based pest control experts"
Overview
Treating bed bugs in Chicago is a common area of concern among residents. Areas where there are tourists are particularly susceptible as they travel in luggage. Recently a family in Chicago sued a local hotel complaining of multiple bites and infestations. To fight the problem Chicago and the Illinois government offers several resources that could help apartment and home owners.
The best way to avoid bed bugs is to not carry them into the home or apartment in the first place. This includes the avoidance of used furniture and mattresses that may contain the bugs and inspect luggage when traveling before opening.
Killing Bed Bugs in Chicago and Local Pest Control Resources
Getting rid of bed bugs can be extremely difficult, especially when trying to do so yourself. There are tons of resources and products out there to help you treat a bed bug infestation. Our "How to Kill Bed Bugs" Page offers an Extensive guide on how to eliminate them yourself and or hire a professional to do so.
Hiring an Exterminator
It is important that your selected pest control company has experience with bed bugs specifically. Given the high cost it pays to get several quotes. We suggest starting with members of Home Advisor, since they have several locations and pre-screen members to make sure that they are licensed and insured. Members will provide up to 3 free quotes.
Readers can also search our online bed bug exterminator database.
A good exterminator will provide a quote, treatment plan and review methods that will be used (chemicals, spray, steam, freezing, heat etc.). Compare quotes as a thorough bed bug extermination can take 2 workers all day to complete. Also be sure to get a guarantee since 2 to 3 treatments are sometimes needed as well as a follow up inspection by the exterminator. Asking for references from satisfied customers that received bed bug treatment is also a good idea.
You can also check Angie's List for consumer reviews of bed bug service in Chicago.
Chicago Bed Bugs Tenant Rights
If you have bed bugs in the Chicagoland area, call the Chicago tenants rights hotline at (312) 742-7368. Open M-F from 1-5pm. They can inform you as to your rights and the latest landlord tenant laws regarding bed bug extermination and who is responsible for treatment and paying for bed bug treatment. You can also read their helpful advice for tenants regarding bed bugs in Chicago, When Bed Bugs Attack.
If you rent in Chicago, the family assistance centers might be able to provide some help with bed bugs in Chicago issues as well.
The City has also partnered with the Safer Pest Control project to provide up to date information. Click here for the Chicago Bed Bugs Information Center. There are also resources for filing complaints against someone that sold you infested furniture or a mattress. File complaints here.
Chicago Local News Stories
"Chicago Claims Top Spot on ‘Bed Bug Cities' List, Company Says" - nbc chicago
-Published February 1, 2021
"‘They’re Everywhere’: Woman Says Landlord Won’t Fix Bed Bug Problem" - cbs chicago -Published May 21st, 2019
Government Resources
The Illinois Department of Health can be contacted for information on bedbugs and bed bug biology at the "Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, 525 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761, 217-782-5830, TTY (hearing-impaired use only) 800-547-0466." They also offer an extensive guide on overall bedbug information, bites, signs, managing bed bugs, and tons more.
If you have bed bug complaints, the should first be reported to the municipality in which the infested location lies. If outside city limits, complaints can be reported to the appropriate county health department (not the state health department, i.e., IDPH).
City of Chicago - if you have bed bugs in your apartment or want to report discarded furniture or mattresses that you believe have bed bugs, dial 311 and report the incident.
Ask a Question or Share Your Bed Bug Experience With Others
Do you have a question or great story about bed bugs? Share it!
