overview
There are many reports of bed bugs in Connecticut. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is actively engaged with the issue as are other groups interested in fighting infestations. This site provides resources available to homeowners and renters in the State of Connecticut that are committed to understanding and exterminating these hard to kill insects.
Landlords are responsible in the State of Connecticut to pay for the treatment of any bed bug infestations and must act within 5 days when an apartment is infested. Landlords must inform tenants before they move in if an apartment offered for rent or a contiguous (next door, above or below0 is infested with bed bugs.
Reference: Connecticut House Bill No. 5335 - Connecticut Tenant Rights (PDF Download)
treatment and extermination
Bed bugs are one of the hardest insects to exterminate, even for professionals. Below are our tips for Connecticut homeowners and renters
Homeowners
why Hire a Professional
Like other insects, treatment involves a decision to attack the issue yourself or to hire a professional. It doesn't hurt to get a quote from a professional that is certified by a national network such as Home Advisor. Or you can call 877-673-2704).
An exterminator will confirm that the problem is caused by bed bugs and the size of the infestation. If the bed bugs are in the walls, then always hire a professional.
Professionals often require 2 to 3 treatments in order to eliminate the problem. The goal is to knock down the population size until it is eliminated.
Compare this Adult Bed Bug Photo to Similar Insects Below
Insects Found in Connecticut That Look Like Bed Bugs. An Exterminator Can You Help Confirm The Presence of an InfestationDo It Yourself
It is possible to treat small infestations yourself. DO NOT go to Home Depot, purchase one spray or fogger and then assume you have treated the infestation. To properly treat the problem you will need multiple products that are best purchased in a kit. Kits contain:
- Knock down spray to kill bed bugs and eggs on contact. This spray should be mattress safe.
- Residual spray to provide an invisible field that will kill bed bugs for several weeks when the field comes in contact with the insect.
- Diatomaceous earth or bed bug powder which provides another layer of protection and is sprinkled around mattresses and in cracks.
- Vacuum to remove any visible insects (you can see bed bugs with the naked eye)
- Bed bug mattress and box spring covers: optional item that traps bed bugs that have not been killed during the treatment process.
We recommend purchase the kit offered by Bed Bug Supply.
See our guide to bed bug treatment for detailed instructions.
Renters
Connecticut landlords are responsible for treatment
According to CGS Section 47a-7 in the State of Connecticut a landlord must "do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition, except where the premises are intentionally rendered unfit or uninhabitable by the tenant, a member of his family or other person on the premises with his consent, in which case such duty shall be the responsibility of the tenant;"
The law was further clarified in Public Act No. 16-51 titled "An Act Concerning the Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Regarding the Treatment of Bed Bug Infestations."
If the landlord or managing agent fails to address any problems, the renter may withhold the rent ("A rental agreement shall not permit the receipt of rent for nay period during which the landlord has failed to comply with subsection (a) of section 47a-7".) That said, we suggest continuing to pay the rent until you consult with a lawyer or legal advisor.
If you signed an agreement where you take responsibility for specified repairs such as bed bug extermination, then the obligation and cost of treatment falls on the tenant.
how to take action and what happens next
- If you suspect a bed bug infestation, inform your managing agent or landlord with a phone call and in writing on a dated letter or email. The landlord has 5 days to inspect your rental unit and any contiguous (next door) unit.
- The landlord then has two days to notify the tenant whether or not the unit is infested with bed bugs.
- The landlord must treat the bed bug infestation within 5 business days after the inspection.
- Tenants must comply with reasonable measures taken by the landlord in order to treat the home or apartment.
- Landlords have the right to remove property that may be infested until treatment is completed. Tenants are responsible for removing their property. Landlords can charge a reasonable fee to assist tenants who are unable to remove these items. This can include infested furniture.
- You should pay the rent if the landlord acts on the bed bug infestation.
- Landlords are not obligated to pay for alternative lodging in a motel or hotel during treatment. Landlords are also not responsible for replacing any property removed from the home.
We suggest contacting Connecticut Legal aid for assistance (or call 1-800-453-3320). Also read this bill which describes tenant and landlord responsibilities and rights when treating an infested apartment or building:
Other resources for renters:
State of Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice Housing Session
New Haven, (203) 773-6755
Bridgeport, (203) 579-7237
Hartford, (860) 756-7810
New London, (860) 443-8444
E-mail: judith.dicine@po.state.ct.us
(please write bed bug in the subject box)
Enforcement, Certification, DEP pesticide management division
Hartford CT (860) 424-3369
E-mail: diane.jorsey@ct.gov (please write bed bug in the subject box)
insecticides approved for use by Exterminators in connecticut
Approved for use on surfaces other than mattresses
- lambda-cyhalothrin
- permethrin
- (s)-hydroprene
- cyfluthrin
- bifenthrin
- fenvalerate
- propoxur
There have been problems of bed bug insecticide resistance in Connecticut. Products tested that are effective at killing all bed bugs in Connecticut Phantom and Bedlam.
Approved for control of bed bugs on mattresses
- deltamethrin
- cyfluthrin
- silica
- ground limestone
- permethrin
- pyrethrins
- d-phenothrin
- alcohols
Recommended product for treating mattresses and other areas: Sterifab (will kill bed bugs and eggs on contact)
connecticut bed bug resources
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station - Fact Sheets and Research on Bed Bugs
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection - to check on the license of a bedbug exterminator.
Connecticut Department of Health - Information on bed bugs Connecticut
Homeowners Guide to Bed Bugs Connecticut (pdf download)
City of Stamford Bed Bugs Information
Stamford Bed Bugs Fact Sheet (PDF download)
Stamford Connecticut Bed Bugs Description (PDF Download)
Stamford Bed Bug Tips (PDF Download)
Connecticut Bed Bug Identification
Dr. Gale E. Ridge (phone 203_974-8600) can help to identify any insects. You can email photographs to gale.ridge@ct.gov.
connecticut bed bug hotels reports
We recommend checking the Bed Bug Registry for any Connecticut hotel or motel bed bug reports.
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Ask a Question or Share Your Bed Bug Experience With Others
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