Bed Bugs

Overview Characteristics Myths and facts What is being done about bed bugs Where they hide Protecting your work and home Equipment and personnel clean up Controlling and eradicating infestations

Characteristics There are 7 stages from egg to nymph to adult Each stage requires a blood host to molt to the next Humans are preferred host Hosts can also include dogs, cats, birds and bats Female lays approximately 5 eggs per day Eggs are held in place on surfaces with a glue like substance Eggs hatch in 4 – 12 days

Life cycle

Characteristics Approximately ¼” in size Do not fly but are adept, fast crawlers Scatter when disturbed Transparent apperance until they feed

Characteristics Can live for up to 18 months without feeding They do not transmit disease Bites can create an allergic reaction from their saliva Bites may itch but not always Scratching welts may lead to secondary skin infection Anesthetic and anticoagulant is injected as feeding begins Nymphs feed for 3 minutes, adults 10 – 15 minutes

Welts from bites

Characteristics Bed bugs leave tell-tale signs such as blood stains near the bite site Dark deposits (fecal spots) occur on sheets, mattresses and walls In severe infestations, a sweet, musty odor from their scent glands may be present

Microscope enhanced

Myths Only “dirty people” get bed bugs Bed bugs are only found in places like homeless shelters and army barracks Bed bugs are only a problem for low income people Bottom line: regardless of hygiene, financial or social status or place of residence, bed bugs can infest your home or work place

Facts Bed bugs were controlled, but never completely eradicated in the USA after WWII Many of the insecticides that were effective, like DDT are either ineffective or simply not available any more Increased international travel, immigration and import of goods has contributed to the spread of bed bugs

What is Being Done United States Environmental Protection Agency is considering allowing more pesticides to be used to kill the bugs Increased awareness Increased education

Some places where they hide Seams of mattresses Cracks and creases in furniture

Some places where they hide Behind baseboards Under carpeting

Bedbugs have also been found in Senior housing Nursing homes Apartment buildings Hotels & motels Schools Churches Movie theatres Dorm rooms Firehouses including vehicles

Protecting your home and workplace

Keep a vigilant eye for tell tale signs of infestation such as sweet odor, feces, exoskeletons Avoid wearing duty uniforms home at the end of your shift Avoid setting jump bags and other equipment on floors and furniture. Use hard, flat surfaces when available Launder uniforms at work Water temperature of 120 ○ F is known to kill bed bugs

Protecting your home and workplace Launder work bedding frequently At work and home perform daily, routine inspections of all mattresses, box springs, couches, chairs etc.

After the call and clean up procedure Remember that bed bugs do not transmit disease Bed bugs prefer nooks, crannies, folds in material, creases and seams Bed bugs will rarely if ever stay on hard, flat surfaces such as cabinet doors and walls of the ambulance

After the call and clean up procedure “Clean up” should focus on routine disinfection per department procedure and visual inspection for signs of bed bugs With the increasing prevalence of bed bugs, crews should perform a routine tertiary inspection for the bugs after each call

Procedure for known or obvious patient infestation Notify your company officer that clean up may be slightly extended due to the need for a diligent visual inspection Company officer should notify the shift commander / battalion chief Police officers who were on the scene should be given a courtesy call

Procedure for known or obvious patient infestation Cab, cabin and compartments  Shine a bright flash light in creases of seats, behind seats, behind radios, computers, etc. while inspecting. Bedbugs are easily startled and this may “flush” them out if they are present  Disinfect seats, radio, turn signals, door handles, cables, BP cuffs, stethoscope, grab rails, stretcher, etc. as usual  Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, pesticides, or other chemicals

Use of RID The active ingredient in RID, which is used to treat head lice, is also effective in killing bed bug eggs RID is available at most pharmacies/drug stores and should be used after treating and/or transporting obviously infested patients

Controlling and eradicating infestations Bed bugs are very difficult to kill “Bug bombs” designed to kill flying insects only scatter bed bugs Treatment of homes and workplaces requires licensed pest control experts Multiple treatments may be required Reduce clutter Encase mattresses and box springs in plastic covers

Controlling and eradicating infestations Store belongings, especially bedding and clothing, in tightly closes plastic containers Vacuum and empty collection receptacle daily After travel, immediately wash all clothing Be cautious when bringing used furniture into your home Never give away or accept used mattresses or box springs Dispose of infected furniture

Sources Centers for Disease Control Illinois Department of Public Health DuPage County Health Department Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force Bedbuginfestation.info

Thank you for this information!! Shelly Carbone, EMT-P/FF – EMS Coordinator – Tri-State Fire Protection District