Pests

Dakota County Public Health doesn't provide inspection or pest control services, but we do have the following resources.  

Pests and bugs can cause public health problems if not controlled. This includes spreading diseases and triggering asthma and allergy symptoms.  

B​​ed bugs             

• Bed bugs bite people and animals to feed on blood. They are sometimes hard to identify, but bed bugs are typically found where you sleep or rest. They can also hide in any room.  
  

• Correctly identifying bed bugs is the first step in determining a treatment plan. Bed bugs are hard to get rid of on your own. We recommend working with property management, landlords or pest control professionals trained on safe use of insecticides.  

• The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health have more information on bed bugs. 

Sca​bies 

• Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites that can live under your skin. Scabies is spread from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact and can affect anyone. A health care provider should confirm diagnosis. They will perform a skin scraping to look for evidence of mites. Doctors will prescribe topical medicines to treat scabies.  

• The use of insecticides is not recommended for environmental control of scabies. Instead, wash bedding, clothing and towels in hot water and use your hair dryer's hottest setting. 

• The Minnesota Department of Health has more information on scabies.  

Cockro​​aches  

• Cockroaches are common pests within homes and buildings. They hide during the day and become active at night. If you see a cockroach, it is likely that there are many more in your area. 

• Cockroaches and their poop can carry diseases that could cause food poisoning, diarrhea, or irritate allergies and asthma.  

• Cleanliness is very important to reduce cockroaches. It is best to hire a pest management service to treat them with pesticides. 

• For more information, visit the University of Minneso​ta's Extension website.