1. DON’T LET THE BEDBUGS BITE

2. BEDBUGS Cimex Lectularius Blood Feeding Insects Very Cryptic
Great Hitchhikers

3. 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

4. WHY ARE THEY BACK Increased international travel
Change in general pest control methods
Reduced available products for control
Lack of research and development

5. 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

6. 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)

7. OBSERVE THE SAMPLES

8. LIFE CYCLE Aid in determining the origin of infestation
Determine the severity of problem
Treatment alternatives

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. PREVENTION Not easily prevented Resident education best prevention
Inspect hotel/motel rooms
Inspect luggage and clothing upon departure

15. 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

16. MEDICAL ISSUES BAD NEW IS – Bedbugs can carry diseases GOOD NEWS IS –
Bedbugs are NOT known to transmit
Allergic reactions to bites

17. TYPICAL REACTIONS
Painless, red welts, often in groups of three, not centralized to one body part
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Three Papules: “Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner” Possibly due to the three ventriculus’ of the bed bug
dinner
lunch
breakfast
Same Pattern

18. MYSTERY BITES Not all welts and irritation are caused by insects
Detailed inspection with magnifier (10X)
Sticky boards helpful
Detailed questionnaire

19. OTHER BITING INSECTS Fleas Lice Mosquitoes Sand Flies Mites
Associated with animals
Chiggers
Dust

20. NON-INSECT IRRITANTS Household Products Soaps, detergents, cleansers
Cosmetics, hair products, medications
Paper, cardboard, printing inks, clothing

21. NON-INSECT IRRITANTS Environmental Factors Multiple people itching
Tiny fragments of paper, fabric, insulation
Irritation may worsen with low humidity

22. 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

23. 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.