DON’T LET THE BEDBUGS BITE

BEDBUGS

• Cimex Lectularius

• Blood Feeding Insects

• Very Cryptic

• Great Hitchhikers

HISTORY OF PROBLEM

•A problem for 1000’s of years

•Eliminated in US after WW II

•General use of DDT

•A major return in past 5 years

WHY ARE THEY BACK

• Increased international travel

• Change in general pest control methods

• Reduced available products for control

• Lack of research and development

WHERE ARE THEY FOUND

• Small tight places

• Early stages of infestation near the bed

• Where people spend a lot of time resting

• Later stages of infestation can be anywhere

IDENTIFICATION

• Not as small as you might think

• 1.5 mm – 1 cm long, flat, oval, with no wings

• Brown to Dark Red (Adult)• Tan (Newly Hatched)

OBSERVE THE SAMPLES

LIFE CYCLE

• Aid in determining the origin of infestation

• Determine the severity of problem

• Treatment alternatives

Life Cycle

• Important Points.– Lays 3 to 5 eggs a day

• 300 to 500 eggs in lifetime

– Total days from egg to adult is about one month at 80.6˚ F.

– 5 molts from nymph to adult

– Can live well over 6 months without feeding (some reports over 18 months)

TEMPERATURE EFFECTS

– Below ~55˚ F Development stops

– Above ~99˚ F Development stops

– Thrive at temps between ~68˚ F - 80˚ F

– Die at Temps > 111˚F or < 32 ˚F

INSPECTION/TREATMENT

• Must be very thorough

• Can be expensive

• Can involve disposal of items that can not be effectively treated

• May require more than one treatment

TREATMENT OPTIONS

• Heat is your best friend

• Insecticidal dusts are long lasting

• Some liquid and aerosol products are labeled for bedbugs

• Isolate to prevent spreading

TREATMENT PROCEDURES

• Nothing leaves room without treatment or inspection

• Begin at the bed and work outwards

• Bag items and treat with heat if possible

• Wrap items in plastic for disposal

• Insure disposal items are not recycled

PREVENTION

• Not easily prevented

• Resident education best prevention

• Inspect hotel/motel rooms

• Inspect luggage and clothing upon departure

ADVICE TO TRAVELERS

• Cycle clothing thru a clothes dryer on high heat

• Place items in closed-up auto in the sun

• Freeze items if convenient • Isolate luggage from residence

MEDICAL ISSUES

BAD NEW IS –

Bedbugs can carry diseases

GOOD NEWS IS – Bedbugs are NOT known to transmit

Allergic reactions to bites

TYPICAL REACTIONS

• Painless, red welts, often in groups of three, not centralized to one body part

breakfastlunchdinner Same Pattern

MYSTERY BITES

• Not all welts and irritation are caused by insects

• Detailed inspection with magnifier (10X)

• Sticky boards helpful

• Detailed questionnaire

OTHER BITING INSECTS

• Fleas• Lice• Mosquitoes• Sand Flies• Mites

– Associated with animals– Chiggers– Dust

NON-INSECT IRRITANTS

• Household Products

– Soaps, detergents, cleansers

– Cosmetics, hair products, medications

– Paper, cardboard, printing inks, clothing

NON-INSECT IRRITANTS

• Environmental Factors

– Multiple people itching

– Tiny fragments of paper, fabric, insulation

– Irritation may worsen with low humidity

NON-INSECT IRRITATIONS

Medical Conditions

– Symptoms associated with diabetes, liver, kidney and thyroid disorders

– Food allergies, prescription and recreational drugs, and stress

– Power of suggestion

• Describe sensations that feel like bugs, worms, or mites are biting, crawling or burrowing into, under, or out of their skin.

• Complain that furniture is infested.

• Conviction that no one believes they exist except themselves.

• BEDBUGS ARE VISIBLE. GET A SAMPLE.

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