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) Johnson (1942) fed bed bugs once (various stages) then kept them in an outhouse for 18 months. Several fed after this.

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 Pics::: www.worldtrip.co.uk/ gallery/australia/melbourne/ Three Papules: “Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner” Possibly due to the three ventriculus’ of the bed bug dinner lunch breakfast 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

Delusory Parasitosis BEDBUGS ARE VISIBLE. GET A SAMPLE. 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.