Bedbugs reported in Tri-Cities

It is a tiny, wingless, bloodsucking insect that likes to travel.

Bedbugs are showing up around the Mid-Columbia, according to pest specialists and state and county officials.

So far the problem doesn’t compare with New York City, where infestations are popping up in buildings all over the city.

But it’s enough of a problem to give local exterminators more business and to make Pacific Northwest National Laboratory warn its employees about the globe-trotting critters.

An adult bedbug is reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed. They only bite humans – and only at night. They feed for three to 10 minutes, often leaving behind a spot of blood on sheets or pillowcases. The bites also can be itchy.

Officials say the insects seem to be hitchhiking with travelers. They often are found in hotel rooms, planes and furniture.

Rick Dawson at the Benton-Franklin County Health Department said there have been reports of bedbugs in the Tri-City area. But because the bugs don’t spread disease, the health department doesn’t get involved.

“It’s hard – but bedbugs don’t spread disease,” Dawson said. “They are a nuisance.”

If you have traveled recently, you might want to wash all your clothes and keep your suitcase in the garage. If you’re planning to travel, be careful.

“These bedbugs are very good at hitching a ride,” said Washington State University entomologist Mike Bush.

He said the bugs will crawl onto baggage and even shoes. And they can be hard to spot.

Bush works at the WSU Extension Office in Yakima and said he regularly gets questions about bedbugs. Some universities also have contacted him because of infestations.

He advises them to get an exterminator. Chemical controls that work on the bugs aren’t typically available to individuals.