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Bed Bugs
The following is courtesy of
Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist,
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
Most householders of this generation have never seen a bed bug. Until
recently, they also were a rarity among pest control professionals. Bed bug
infestations were common in the United States before World War II. But with
improvements in hygiene, and especially the widespread use of DDT during the
1940s and '50s, the bugs all but vanished. The pests remained prevalent, though,
in other regions of the world including Asia, Africa, Central/South America and
Europe. In recent years, bed bugs have also made a comeback in the U.S. They are
increasingly being encountered in homes, apartments, hotels, motels,
dormitories, shelters and modes of transport. International travel has
undoubtedly contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs in this country. Changes
in modern pest control practice - and less effective bed bug pesticides - are
other factors suspected for the recurrence.
Description and Habits
| Bed bugs are small, brownish, flattened insects
that feed solely on the blood of animals. The common bed bug, Cimex
lectularius, is the species most adapted to living with humans. It has
done so since ancient times. Bed bugs are mentioned, for example, in medieval European texts and in
classical Greek writings back to the time of Aristotle. Other bed bug species
prefer to feed on wild hosts, especially bats and birds.
Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 inch long and reddish brown, with oval,
flattened bodies. The immatures (nymphs) resemble the adults, but are
smaller and somewhat lighter in color. Bed bugs do not fly, but can move
quickly over floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces. Female bed bugs lay
their eggs in secluded areas, depositing up to five a day and 500 during a
lifetime. The eggs are tiny, whitish, and hard to see without magnification
(individual eggs are about the size of a dust spec). When first laid, the
eggs are sticky, causing them to adhere to substrates. Newly hatched nymphs
are no bigger than a pinhead. |
Adult bed bug feeding on a human. (M.
Potter, Univ. of Kentucky) |
| As they
grow, they molt (shed their skin) five times before reaching maturity. A blood
meal is needed between each successive molt. Under favorable conditions (70 -
90° F), the bugs can complete development in as little as a month, producing
three or more generations per year. Cool temperatures or limited access to a
blood meal extends the development time. Bed bugs are very resilient. Nymphs can
survive months without feeding and the adults for more than a year. Infestations
therefore are unlikely to diminish by leaving premises unoccupied. Although C.
lectularius prefers feeding on humans, it will also bite other warm-blooded
animals, including pets. |
Bed bugs are active mainly at night. During the daytime, they prefer to hide
close to where people sleep. Their flattened bodies enable them to fit into tiny
crevices - especially those associated with mattresses, box springs, bed frames,
and headboards. Bed bugs do not have nests like ants or bees, but do tend to
congregate in habitual hiding places.
| Characteristically
these areas are marked by dark spotting and staining, which is the dried
excrement of the bugs. Also present will be eggs and eggshells, molted skins
of maturing nymphs, and the bugs themselves.
Another likely sign of bed bugs is rusty or reddish spots of blood on bed
sheets or mattresses. Heavy infestations are sometimes accompanied by a
"buggy" or sweetish odor, although such smells are not always apparent.
Bed bugs prefer to hide close to where they feed. However if necessary,
they will crawl more than 100 feet to obtain a blood meal. Initial
infestations tend to be around beds, but the bugs eventually may become
scattered throughout a room, occupying any crevice or protected location.
They also can spread to adjacent rooms or apartments. Bites and Concerns
Bed bugs usually bite people at night while they are sleeping. They feed by
piercing the skin with an elongated beak through which they withdraw blood.
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| Dark spots of bed bug excrement on a
mattress. (M. Potter, Univ. of Kentucky) |
Engorgement takes about three to 10 minutes, yet the person seldom knows they
are being bitten. Symptoms thereafter vary with the individual. Some people
develop an itchy welt or localized swelling, while others have little or no
reaction. Unlike fleabites that occur mainly around the ankles, bed bugs feed on
any bare skin exposed while sleeping (face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, etc.). The welts and itching are often attributed to other causes such as mosquitoes.
For these reasons, infestations may go a long time unnoticed, and can become
quite large before being detected. Conversely, it is important to recognize that
not all bites or bite-like reactions are due to bed bugs. Confirmation requires
finding and identifying the bugs, themselves. (Other possible sources of
irritation are discussed in University of Kentucky entomology fact sheet
ENT-58: Invisible
Itches: Insect and Non-Insect Causes).
A common concern with bed bugs is whether they transmit diseases. Although
bed bugs can harbor pathogens in their bodies, transmission to humans is
considered highly unlikely. For this reason, they are not considered a serious
disease threat. Their medical significance is mainly limited to the itching and
inflammation from their bites. The usual treatment prescribed is topical
application of antiseptic or antibiotic creams or lotions to prevent infection.
How Infestations Originate
It often seems that bed bugs arise from nowhere. The bugs are efficient
hitchhikers and are usually transported in on luggage, clothing, beds,
furniture, etc. Outbreaks can often be traced to international travel from
countries where the bugs are common, such as Asia, Africa, Europe, the
Caribbean, or Central/South America. This is a particular problem for hotels,
motels, and apartments, where turnover of occupants is constant. Bed bugs are
small, cryptic and agile, escaping detection after crawling into suitcases,
boxes, and belongings. The eggs are almost impossible to see when laid on most
surfaces. Purchase or rental of secondhand mattresses, box springs, and
furniture is another way that the bugs are transported into previously
non-infested dwellings.
Once bed bugs are introduced, they often spread room to room throughout a
building. Unlike cockroaches that feed on filth, the level of cleanliness has
little to do with most bed bug infestations. Pristine homes, hotels, and
apartments have plenty of hiding places and an abundance of warm-blooded hosts.
Thus, they are almost as vulnerable to infestation as are places of squalor.
When bed bug-like insects are found, it's important to consider whether bats,
swallows, chimney swifts, pigeons, or other wild hosts are involved. Although
similar in appearance, bed bug species that normally feed on bats and birds can
be differentiated from those that prefer humans. Entomologists and knowledgeable
pest control firms can make this determination.
Controlling Infestations
Bed bugs are challenging pests to control. They hide in many tiny places, so
inspections and treatments must be thorough. In most cases, it will be prudent
to enlist the services of a professional pest control firm. Experienced
companies know where to look for bed bugs, and have an assortment of management
tools at their disposal. Owners and occupants will need to assist the
professional in important ways. Affording access for inspection and treatment is
essential, and excess clutter should be removed. In some cases, infested
mattresses and box springs will need to be discarded. Since bed bugs can
disperse throughout a building, it also may be necessary to inspect adjoining
rooms and apartments.
Where They Hide
Bed bugs often congregate along seams of mattresses and box
springs. Blackish spots are excrement. (M. Potter, Univ. of Kentucky) |
Bed bugs can live in almost any crevice or
protected location. The most common place to find them is the bed. Bed bugs
often hide within seams, tufts, and crevices of the mattress, box spring,
bed frame and headboard.
A thorough inspection requires dismantling the
bed and standing the components on edge. Things to look for are the bugs
themselves, and the light-brown, molted skins of the nymphs. Dark spots of
dried bed bug excrement are often present along mattress seams or wherever
the bugs have resided. Oftentimes the gauze fabric underlying the box spring
must be removed to gain access for inspection and possible treatment.
Successful treatment of mattresses and box springs is difficult, however,
and infested components may need to be discarded. Cracks and crevices of bed
frames should be examined, especially if the frame is wood. (Bed bugs have
an affinity for wood and fabric more so than metal or plastic). Headboards
secured to walls should also be removed and inspected. In hotels and motels,
the area behind the headboard is often the first place that the bugs become
established. Bed bugs also hide among items stored under beds. Many areas besides beds, however, can harbor bed bugs. |
Bed bugs hidden beside a recessed screw under a nightstand.
(M. Potter, Univ. of Kentucky) |
Nightstands and dressers should be emptied
and examined inside and out, then tipped over to inspect the woodwork
underneath. Oftentimes the bugs will be hiding in cracks, corners, and
recesses.
Upholstered chairs and sofas should be checked,
especially seams, tufts, skirts, and crevices beneath cushions. Sofas can be
major bed bug hotspots when used for sleeping.
Other common places to find bed bugs include:
along and under the edge of wall-to-wall carpeting (especially behind beds
and furniture); cracks in wood molding; ceiling-wall junctures; behind
wall-mounts, picture frames, switch plates and outlets; under loose
wallpaper; amongst clothing stored in closets; and inside clocks, phones,
televisions and smoke detectors.
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Inspections and
treatments must be very thorough. (M. Potter, Univ. of Kentucky) |
It often takes hours to properly inspect and
treat a bed bug infestation, and follow-up visits are usually required.
As mentioned earlier, owners and occupants have
important pre-treatment responsibilities. Reducing clutter is a necessity.
Belongings strewn about rooms afford many places for bed bugs to hide, and
impedes inspection and treatment. Infested bedding and garments will need to
be bagged and laundered (120°F minimum), or discarded since these items
cannot be treated with insecticides. Smaller items that cannot be laundered
can sometimes be de-infested by heating. Individual items, for example, can
be wrapped in plastic and placed in a hot, sunny location for at least a few
days (the 120°F minimum target temperature should be monitored in the
centermost location with a thermometer). Bedbugs also succumb to cold
temperatures below 32° F, but the chilling period must be maintained for at
least two weeks. Attempts to rid an entire home or apartment of bed bugs by
raising or lowering the thermostat will be entirely unsuccessful. Vacuuming
can be very useful for removing bugs and eggs from mattresses, carpet,
walls, and other surfaces.
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| Pay particular attention to seams,
tufts and edges of mattresses and box springs, and the perimeter edge of
wall-to-wall carpets. Afterward, dispose of the vacuum contents in a sealed
trash bag. Steam cleaning of carpets is also helpful for killing bugs and
eggs that vacuuming may have missed. |
While the former measures are helpful, insecticides are important for bed bug
elimination. Pest control professionals treat using a variety of low-odor
sprays, dusts, and aerosols. (Baits designed to control ants and cockroaches are
ineffective). Application entails treating all cracks and crevices where the
bugs are discovered, or tend to hide. Some bed bug species are parasites of bats
or birds, and may bite people if the wild hosts are no longer available. If bat
bugs or bird bugs are involved, roosting and nesting sites should also be
treated and the animals excluded from the building.
Do I Have to Throw Out the Bed?
Eliminating bed bugs from mattresses and box springs is challenging. If there
are holes or tears in the fabric, the bugs and eggs may be inside, as well as
outside. There also are restrictions on how beds can be treated with pesticides.
For these reasons, pest control firms often recommend that infested beds be
discarded. If disposal isn't an option, encasing the mattress and box spring
will be helpful if bugs are still present. (Allergy supply companies sell
zippered bed encasements for dust mite prevention). Some pest control firms
treat seams, tufts, and crevices of bed components, but they will not spray the
mattress surface, bed sheets, blankets, or clothing. Vacuuming will further help
to remove bugs and eggs from mattresses and box springs that cannot be
discarded. Some pest control firms also treat beds with portable steam machines.
The technique is useful, but does not kill bugs or eggs that are hidden inside
the box spring or mattress. Fumigation is another way to de-infest beds and
hard-to-treat items, but the procedure is not always available. In extreme
cases, entire buildings have been fumigated for bed bugs. The procedure is
costly though, and involves covering the building in a tarp and injecting a
lethal gas.
Avoiding Infestations
The cryptic, mobile nature of bed bugs limits their prevention. Avoidance is
especially challenging in hotels, motels, and apartments because occupants and
their belongings are constantly changing. This affords many opportunities for
the bugs to be introduced. Householders should be wary of acquiring secondhand
beds, bedding, and furniture. At a minimum, such items should be examined
closely before being brought into the home. When traveling in countries where
bed bugs are prevalent, it might be prudent to examine the bed and headboard
area for signs of the bugs, and elevate luggage off the floor. Although
incidence of bed bugs in the United States is increasing, they remain rare in
comparison to most other pests. Familiarity may help to avoid infestation, or at
least prompt earlier intervention by a professional.
Original: 10/96
Revised: 6/04
Cooper's Recommendation *
CB D-Force™ HPX
Residual with Deltamethrin
Bedbugs: Remove linens and wash before reuse. Apply to mattresses, especially
tufts, folds and edges until moist. Apply to the interior of the frame. Allow to dry before remaking bed. Treat baseboards,
molding and spot treat floors.- Above Ground Spot Treatment Termite Control With
Super Long-Lasting Residual Action.
- Broad Spectrum Control - 50 Species, Including Bedbugs, For Up To 8 Weeks.
- Very Low 0.06% A.I.
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Now with Mattress and Crack & Crevice Treatments for Bedbugs!
Another control product we offer is Gentrol IGR Aerosol, an insect growth
regulator (IGR). This product is an aid in
controlling Bedbug infestations. This product may be applied into
cracks or it may be applied as a surface application near affected areas.
Read The Label And Follow Instructions for Safety And Desired Results
Gentrol IGR Aerosol and D-Force KIt
Gentrol IGR Aerosol an insect growth regulator (IGR) Roaches and bedbugs exposed to GENTROL AEROSOL will become adults incapable of reproducing.
D-Force Residual with Deltamethrin. D-Force last for eight weeks.
Read The Label And Follow Instructions for Safety And Desired Results
Bulb Duster and DRIONE® Kit
Special Price $36.95
Quick Control that Lasts
Bedbugs are easy to kill. The trick is to find them. They can go on one meal for over nine months.
To treat take the bed apart. If
hollow, such as square or round tubing. See that the interior of framework is well dusted. Mattresses should be dusted,
especially tufts, folds and edges. Picture frame moldings and all cracks and crevices in the room should be treated.
DRIONE® Insecticide provides quick control of dozens of standard household
pests, and keeps on working for up to 6 months if left undisturbed. Use it in homes and institutions — including food
plants and granaries — to control ants, cockroaches, silverfish, bedbugs, fleas, lice, bees, and other pests. Drione will
also protect against the entrance of drywood termites.
A desiccant dust, Drione is non-staining and relatively
odorless.
Click on link below to read the Label And follow Instructions for Safety And Desired Results.
CB-80 Extra Flushing & Contact Insecticide
- Contains:
0.50% Pyrethrins
4.00% PBO, technical
- Ideal 8:1 Pyrethrin to Synergist Ratio For Extra-Fast Knockdown And Kill.
- Read The Label And Follow Instructions for Safety And Desired Results
Remove All People And Pets Before Spraying. Back Out Of The Room As You
Spray And Close The Door Behind You For An Hour. Then Air.
- VOC Compliant - Safer For The Environment
USDA Rating F-1: Approved For Food Areas
- MSDS
- Label
- The Industry's Best-Selling Flushing & Contact Insecticide
DeltaDust is the world’s first and only 100% waterproof insecticide dust,
so it works in the wet and damp places that insects love. Nothing short of running
water will disturb it, making DeltaDust an ideal crack and crevice treatment.
DRIONE®
Quick Control that Lasts
DRIONE® Insecticide provides quick control of dozens of standard household
pests, and keeps on working for up to 6 months if left undisturbed. Use it in homes and institutions — including food
plants and granaries — to control ants, cockroaches, silverfish, bedbugs, fleas, lice, bees, and other pests. Drione will
also protect against the entrance of drywood termites.
A desiccant dust, Drione is non-staining and relatively
odorless.
Click on link below to read the Label And follow Instructions for Safety And Desired Results.
Steri - Fab MUCH MORE THAN A DISINFECTANT
- Unlike Any Other Product Available In The U.S. And The World.
- Steri Fab Kills Lice, Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ticks And Dust Mites, Bacteria,
- Fungus, Mold, Mildew, Viruses And Deodorizes.
- Dries In 15 - 20 Minutes And Is Non - Residual.
- Crystal Clear With No Residue.
- Used As Is.....No Dilution Required.
- MSDS
CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are
registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may
not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent
or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.
* Of course, check with your local county agent or regulatory official before
using any pesticide. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY
PESTICIDE!
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