County delivers bed bug treatment units to prevent spread in local shelters

Three individuals transport a bed bug treatment unit on a cart outside of the Salvation Army building.

Team members from the Office of Homeless Services deliver a bed bug treatment unit to the Salvation Army of San Bernardino.

Team members from the Office of Homeless Services deliver a bed bug treatment unit to the city of San Bernardino.

In an effort to promote health and safety, the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services recently donated 10 bed bug treatment units to local service providers that operate homeless shelters throughout the county.

From April 25 to May 2, the bed bug treatment units were delivered to ten major homeless service providers, including the city of San Bernardino, the city of Victorville, Water of Life Community Church in Fontana, Illumination Foundation, Operation Grace, Desert Manna, Family Assistance Program, Foothill AIDS Project, Rise of a Fallen Angel and the Salvation Army. The Office of Homeless Services plans to deliver two more units this week.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States is one of many countries that has experienced an alarming resurgence of bed bugs. The increase in bed bugs may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, bed bugs becoming resistant to pesticides, and the expense of professional pest control.

“The cost of treatment can be expensive, which makes the problem harder to manage,” said Homeless Services Chief Marcus Dillard. “We hope this donation helps to create a more comfortable environment for those residing in the shelters.”

Bed bugs can spread in shelters when individuals bring in personal belongings that are already infested. These individuals may have been exposed to bed bugs in other emergency shelters, transitional housing, hotels and motels. Although bed bugs do not spread diseases, they can cause irritation, itching, anxiety and loss off sleep, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The bed bug treatment unit will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Gabriela Leon, homeless solutions manager at the city of San Bernardino. “This is another great example of the partnership we have with the county, and we are grateful for their support.”

Treatment units have been proven effective at eliminating bed bugs by using very high temperatures to wipe out all forms of bed bugs. According to the CDC, bed bugs die when their body temperatures reach 45°C (113°F).

“We are extremely grateful for the county’s donation,” said Geovanni Quiroz, grants manager at Water of Life’s CityLink campus. “Bed bugs can have an immense impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of those we serve. This donation will ensure that our clients have access to a safe and comfortable environment.”

Bed bugs discourage individuals from seeking shelter and make it difficult for them to focus on rebuilding their lives.

“The county’s donation was a blessing,” said Kathy Brown, case manager at the Salvation Army. “This donation is crucial for helping us to maintain a safe environment for our clients.”

The Office of Homeless Services continues to support service providers as a part of its commitment to ensuring that individuals at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness are connected to housing, supportive services and case management. For more information about the Office of Homeless Services and how it supports the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, please visit https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/.

Additional County Update News – May 8, 2025