Cleveland police to carry spray to kill bed bugs

CLEVELAND - Bed bugs have been on the rise in Cleveland and now police are taking action to try to combat the problem.

In a memo sent out to administrative units, Cleveland police said they will be distributing spray bottles containing bed bug killer to various districts and units.

Bottles will come in two sizes, according to the memo. Large size 16-ounce bottles will be maintained at district or unit levels, while smaller personal spray bottles are to be kept in glove boxes or storage areas of Division vehicles.

The memo said the spray kills on contact and is both safe and effective.

Reports this year have described bed bugs as a rapidly increasing problem in Cleveland.

In February, the Department of Public Health warned the public about bed bugs and held a series of informational meeting for residents.

ABC News released a report in March that ranked Cleveland 13th on a list of top 50 U.S. cities with bed bugs.