(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Connections Area Agency on Aging works every day to Build Strong Support for Older Iowans, their Family Caregivers and community.  Throughout the year they partner with local organizations and agencies to better serve Older Iowans, their caregivers, and communities. Connections Area Agency on Aging has partnered with other community partners to gain awareness of the impact Bed Bugs have on our community members to begin to explore ways to help eradicate the bugs and create a healthier environment for all.

Connections AAA had partnered with the SWIA Mental Health and Disability Region previously to test a pilot program to learn the cost of eradication and creating a healthy home. They learned the average cost is $6000 for necessary prep work and treatment of bugs. Beg bugs are more than a common bedtime saying, “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.” They impact families more than financially, there are mental wellness effects such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, depression and lack of access to needed support in the home or community due to the presence of bed bugs. However, unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease.

Beg bugs are a nuisance bug that can impact multiple areas of our community (i.e.: Doctor’s offices, movie theaters, shopping centers, hotels, hospitals and even grocery stores). Bed bugs do not jump but can catch clothing items when passing by, having clothing/luggage on the floor in an affected area or sitting on furniture where bugs may be present. Bed bugs are smaller and hard to detect and are no respecter of person and can affect individuals of all income levels and areas of town not just certain areas as many may think.

Connections AAA and the Caring for Our Community Partners have created a survey to gather the impact of bed bugs on area communities, to be able to explore funding to help create healthy homes for all. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing an impact with bed bugs, please consider completing this confidential survey (listed below) to give Connections an idea of the need for support in area communities to explore funding and support for future program.

To access the survey, you can follow this link https://tinyurl.com/BBSurveyCB or contact Connections AAA at 800-432-9209 and be connected to a confidential extension to leave a message and staff will contact you to answer questions and complete the survey. Connections will host the survey until August 31, 2024.

Some proactive ways to prevent bed bugs are:

• Reduce the number of hiding places — Clean up the clutter.
• Regularly wash and heat-dry your bed sheets, blankets, bedspreads and any clothing that touches the floor.
• Check secondhand furniture, beds and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home.
• Be watchful when using shared laundry facilities. Transport items to be washed in plastic bags (if you have an active infestation, use a new bag for the journey home). Remove from dryer directly into bag and fold at home. (A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs.)
• Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots.
• When traveling look at hotel reviews or check https://www.bedbugreports.com/ for any reports made
• When traveling inspect your room and bed for any signs of bed bugs and place luggage on non-upholstery areas such the tile floor or luggage rack

Get more information about how to make a complete the Bed Bug Community Impact Survey or information about bed bugs call 1-800-432-9209 or email info@connectionsaaa.org to explore local community services and supports.

************

Connections Area Agency is one of six Area Agencies on Aging in Iowa, and part of a nationwide network. With a mission of enhancing the quality of life for elders in 20 counties through education, planning and coordination of services, Connections Area Agency on Aging is the premier agency for assisting elders, caregivers, and their families to access the information and services needed for independence and life transitions. Offices are located in Council Bluffs, Creston and Sioux City. For more information, contact Connections AAA at 800-432-9209 or at www.connectionsaaa.org