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. 2005 Apr;11(4):533–538. doi: 10.3201/eid1104.041126

Table 2. Locations at homeless shelters affected by bed bugs and chemical and environmental control measures implemented.

Locations and control measures No. shelters (%), N = 17
Affected locations
Sleeping rooms 15 (88)
Bed or bed frames 15 (88)
Mattresses 13 (76)
Sheets 13 (76)
Floorboards or walls 9 (53)
Lockers 3 (18)
Other* 11 (65)
Nonsleeping rooms† 11 (65)
Chemical control measures (insecticides)
Spot treatment only 4 (24)
Treatment of affected rooms 5 (29)
Treatment of entire building‡ 8 (47)
All beds dismantled and treated 5 (29)
Environmental control measures
Residents encouraged to shower and wash belongings 17 (100)
Increased room inspections to detect infestations 13 (76)
Ripped or torn mattresses discarded 8 (47)
Limits on amount of personal belongings 8 (47)
Beds and bedding steam cleaned and vacuumed 6 (35)
Building renovations§ 6 (35)
Adhesive boards on the legs of beds to trap bugs 4 (24)
Replacing wooden beds with steel beds 3 (18)

*Other areas consisted of personal belongings, light fixtures, electrical switches and plugs, baseboards, carpeting, and other furniture.
†Affected nonsleeping rooms were the lounge, cafeteria, intake office, or storage room.
‡Treatment of the entire building entailed closing the shelter for 6 to 72 hours.
§See text for details.