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1. What can I do about bed bugs?

 If you have signs of bed bugs in your home, it is time to start an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. More than one method will need to be employed to control the bugs. Some different strategies include:

• mattress covers or encasements, heat (drying items in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes)
• pesticides
• traps:
• and vacuuming (this does not kill the bed bugs and the vacuum bag must be disposed of immediately). 

A thorough inspection of the premises is important in the aide of controlling bed bugs. Learn more about bed bugs here.

2. What can I do if I find a tick on me?

After coming inside after spending time outdoors, make sure you check yourself for ticks. If you do find a tick, keep an eye on the bite area. If you experience a rash that looks like a bull's-eye, or a rash anywhere on the body or an unexplained illness accompanied by fever following a tick bite, you should consult your physician and explain that you were bitten by a tick. You can also bring the tick into your local health department for identification.

3. How can I prevent ticks and mosquito bites?

Wear protective clothing such as long pants and shirts that are light colored. 

Wear repellent. Repellent containing 10-30% DEET is recommended. Avoid applying repellent to sensitive areas such as the face. 

Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn. 

Keep a well-maintained yard and dump standing water.

4. If I find a dead bird, what should I do?

If you find that a bird has died under odd circumstances between the months of April-October, call Environmental Health at 309-929-0272. The bird may be tested for West Nile Virus, if it meets specific criteria, listed here: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus/dead-bird-collection 

5. Where can I file a complaint?

If you are outside of city limits or your city does not have a complaint/inspection department and you have a complaint to file, you can call Environmental Health at 309-929-0272 or you can make a complaint online.   If you are in city limits, contact your city complaints department.

6. What can I do if my neighbor has an overgrown yard?

If the overgrown vegetation is ornamental bushes, vines, etc., it is exempt from the nuisance ordinance and it cannot be enforced. If the vegetation is grass or weeds that exceed 10 inches on a parcel of less than an acre, call Environmental Health at (309) 929-0272 and file a complaint. Remember, we cannot enforce how something looks. If it is within city limits, contact your local city inspections or code enforcement department.

7. Can I burn my garbage?

No! The only thing that can be burned is landscape waste that was generated on your property. If you are within a city limits, check for landscape waste burn days.

8. Where can I file a complaint?

If you are outside of city limits or your city does not have a complaint/inspection department and you have a complaint to file, you can call Environmental Health at 309-929-0272 or you can make a complaint online.  Please be prepared to give the nature of the complaint and the address/location of the complaint, as well as your name and contact information.   If you are in city limits, please contact your Code Enforcement Office regarding your complaint. Below is the contact information for the different communities within the county.

City of Pekin Inspections 477-2315

City of Creve Coeur 699-6714

City of Morton 266-5361

City of Washington 444-1122

City of East Peoria 698-4717