What the Lucas County Health Department Tells Toledo About Bed Bugs

“Common Questions Answered”

• “Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease and are primarily considered a nuisance.”
• “Complete elimination of bed bugs can be achieved through the services of a Certified Pest Management company. Getting rid of bed bugs is a cooperative effort, so following guidelines set by the pest management professional is important.”
• “Heat kills bed bugs. Wash clothes at the hottest recommended setting. Tumble dry the clothes on high heat for at least 30 minutes (120 °F or above).”
• “Encase an infested mattress and box spring in a zippered cover that is labeled and certified as ‘bed bug proof’. Leave the covers on for at least one full year.”
• “DO NOT USE ‘bug bombs’. These products may kill on contact but are mostly ineffective against hidden bed bugs. They may make the infestation worse by scattering the bugs throughout the home or apartment.”

The handout notes its guidelines “include recommendations of the Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force and the Cuyahoga County Bed Bug Task Force.”

“The Do’s and Don’ts”

• “DON’T throw away furniture. In most situations, beds and other furniture can be treated for bed bugs effectively.”
• “DON’T try to kill bed bugs with room foggers or ‘bug bombs.’”
• “DO contact a licensed Pest Management Professional or the local health department for advice and assistance.”

“Certified Pest Control Operators”

A 2016 list of certified companies in Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties, with a pointer to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s licence database “for a more comprehensive list.” The licence check is the part worth keeping. How to use it →

What the handouts do not say

Nothing about landlord versus tenant responsibility, nothing about a city ordinance, nothing about whether the department inspects rentals for bed bugs. The handouts are treatment advice, and good advice, from a decade ago. For the legal side, the state statute; for who to phone, this page.

One update to the dryer figure

The 2016 handouts say 120°F for 30 minutes. OSU Extension’s 2025 factsheet says “high heat (≥130 F) for 30 minutes.” Use the higher figure; most home dryers on high exceed both. Prep and laundry →