1. Identification & Management of Bed Bugs
Michelle McElroy RN, CIC Infection Prevention Coordinator
References: CDC, TSICP

2. What are bed bugs Cimex lectularius Ectoparasites
True Bug
Related to stink bugs
Cimex lectularius
Family Cimicidae
Ectoparasites
Feed externally on a host (do not live in or on the host)

3. Bed Bug Identification
Dark brown to reddish
1/4 – 3/8 inch
Wingless
Flattened body
Fast moving

4. Bed Bug Identification
Easily confused for:
Brown Dog Tick
Dermestid Beetle

5. BED BUG BIOLOGY Lifespan – 10-18 months Incomplete metamorphosis
Lay 1-5 eggs per day
in lifetime
Incomplete metamorphosis
Egg, Nymph Adult
Eggs hatch within 6-17 days
Sticky substance, sticks to surfaces
Look like grains of salt

6. BED BUG BIOLOGY Hide close to food
Can crawl up to 100 feet to get food
Eventually spread
Neighboring rooms, apartments

7. LIFECYCLE

8. LIFECYCLE

9. BED BUG IDENTIFICATION
Shed skin as they grow = molt

10. BED BUG IDENTIFICATION
Require blood meal
Hide from light (seam of mattress, inside headboards)
Live 20 days-2 months without feeding
Migrate to feeding area (sleeping areas since they mostly feed at night)

11. BED BUG BITES Feed on exposed skin Bite in a line
Bites at night DO NO NOT always mean bed bugs!
Need actual ID for confirmation

12. BED BUG BITE: MEDICAL CONCERNS Not everyone reacts the same
No significant blood loss
Anxiety, insomnia, emotional distress
Poorly nourished children vulnerable to anemia
Irritant – may exacerbate asthma
Do not vector diseases

13. BED BUG PREVENTION Be aware of your surroundings
Be careful where you place belongings (yours as well as consumers)
Be careful where you sit/lean
Remember that bed bugs can hide anywhere
Especially in fabric

14. BED BUG PREVENTION
When going in suspected homes, wear booties on shoes (tuck hem of pants into shoes/booties or rubber band bottom of pants)
Carry/Wear gloves in home if possibility you will be having direct contact with participant, environment, etc.
Stand instead of sit if feasible
If sitting, use metal or plastic chairs
Avoid fabric or leather covered chairs

15. BED BUG PREVENTION Recommendations: To Avoid Taking Them Home
When you arrive home, take off work cloths
Place in dryer
Run on Heat for 20 minutes on regular setting
Place bags, shoes, other items of concern in dryer too
For items that cannot be put in dryer, may place in sealed bag and lay out in sun

16. BED BUG PREVENTION Bed bugs do not discriminate
Bed bugs do NOT equal poor sanitation, not clean, etc.
Bed Bugs do NOT equal low income
Lower income individuals have it harder
Cannot afford a pest management professional
More likely to use second hand items
Bed Bug Infestations: will worsen in next 5-10 years

17. BED BUG PREVENTION Know your responsibilities: STAY CALM
Proper Identification
If possible catch a picture of the bug prior to sealing in a bag
Bag Items (bag must be sealed)
Notify Supervisor
Contact Infection Control Coordinator
Do Not Remove Items from an area of infestation, rather contain the items
Michelle McElroy RN, CIC Infection Prevention Coordinator
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