BED BUGS

“Sleep tight, don’t let the Bed Bugs bite”

Not just your grandma’s bedtime saying………

ICD Code133.0Sonya Marlton, RN, MSN

WHAT ARE BED BUGS CIMEX LECTULARIUS

SMALL INSECTS THAT FEED ON HUMAN BLOOD

_______________________________Adult bug size of an apple seedNon-flyingReddish brown in color, appearing more reddish after feeding on a blood meal

ORIGINS

Not well established

General notion that they are found in the bat's habitats as well as birds nest in North America, Europe and Australia

WHY ARE WE EXPERIENCING INCREASED BED BUG INFESTATION IN THE U.S.?

Increases in immigration and travel from the developing worldRestrictions on the use of stronger pesticides specifically DDTInsect Resistance

WHERE DO THEY LIVE?Environment

IDENTIFICATION

Bedbug Deer Tick

HOW TO IDENTIFY PRESENCE

Check mattress and furniture seams for live or dead bugs, or feces

BEDBUGS ON MATTRESS

BEDBUGS ON BED FRAME

LIFE CYCLE 2 weeks for eggs to hatch 4 months for hatched eggs to become adult Adults live approximately 10 months Adult can live up to 12 months without eating

HOW DO THEY FIND YOU?

Carbon dioxideEach bed bug will feed every few days and then move back to their hiding place until they need to feed again

FEEDING HABITSBedbugs feed while you sleep, with peak biting activity just

before dawnBite several areas until fullFeeding takes approximately 3 to 10 minutes

Exposed body areasFace, neck, hands,

legs, and arms

WHAT DOES A BED BUG BITE FEEL AND LOOK

LIKE?Itchy, red welts (histamine reaction to bite)Most redness will go away in 4 to 7 daysCan be mis-diagnosed as mosquito bites, flea bites, or dermatitis

DO BED BUGS CARRY DISEASE?

Bites are a nuisanceNot know to Spread DiseaseCause secondary infection from scratchingAntihistamine or steroid creams for itching

DO THEY LIVE ON ANIMALS?

NoThey can bite animalsThey live in the environmentFemale bed bugs like to lay eggs on rough surfaces such as cardboard, like the back of a picture, or on fabric.

HOW TO GET RID OF THEM?

Professional Exterminator Clean Disinfect Eliminate hiding places

Don’t Use bug bombsSpray pesticides on surface of mattresses or sofas (only seems of mattress)

STAYING IN HOTELS/LUGGAGE

Check mattress seams, mattresses, furniture, and floor boards

HOTELSKeep luggage off of floor and zippedWear pajamas that cover arms and legsReturn home: Wash clothes and bedding in hot water, and dry on high heatShake out suitcases

DON’T -BEWAREScavenge beds and furniture that have seemingly been discarded and left by the curb for disposal, or behind places of business

Used MattressesUsed Furniture

AWARENESS

NOT FEAR

QUESTIONS

REFERENCES

Hill, C, A., MacDonald, J, F., (July, 2007), Bed bugs: biology and public health risk, retrieved

from, http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-249.pdf

Kells, S, A., Hahn, J, (August 23, 2006), Prevention and control of bed bugs in residences:information for homeowners and tenants, retrieved from, http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/dk1022.html (Kells & Hahn, 2006, p.1)

Mayo Clinic. (September 2, 2010). Bedbugs, retrieved from, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS0668