2. Bed Bugs
Bob McCandless, R.S.
Senior Health Environmentalist

3. What are Bed Bugs? Cimex lectularius Small flat insects
Family Cimicideae
Small flat insects
Typically about ¼ inch long as an adult
Horizontal lines on body

6. Brief History Bedbugs have been with us since pre-historical times
Mentioned in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics
First called a pest in the 17th Century
Came to America with the first European explorers and colonists
There were no Native American words for “bedbug”
With each wave of settlers came a new wave of bedbugs
Bedbugs were a fact of life for early settlers
Early efforts at extermination were troublesome

7. Early Bedbug remedies Rabbit’s foot at end of bed
Corrosive sublimate with the white of an egg applied with a turkey feather
“Corrosive sublimate” = MERCURY
From “Good Housekeeping” 1888
Arsenic
Turpentine
Gasoline
1922 Department of Agriculture recommends cyanide fumigation

8. Early Bedbug remedies

9. Early Bedbug remedies

10. Good old DDT DDT is dichloro diphenyl-trichloroethane
Developed in early period of World War 2
Used to stop spread of infectious disease like
Malaria
typhus
Acted by killing mosquitoes, lice and other pests
After WW2, DDT was made available to the General Public

13. DDT nearly brought about the extinction of bedbugs in North America
During the mid 20th Century, finding bedbugs for research was difficult
DDT was banned in 1972 after research indicated it was a possible source of cancer and also caused harm to wildlife, especially birds

14. After decades of being free of bedbugs…

15. They’re back…

16. Bedbugs re-emerged in the mid 1990’s
Increased international travel to locations with active bedbug populations
Increased immigration
Many newer strains of bedbugs have increased resistance to multiple pesticides

17. DDT vs. 21st Century Bed Bugs
FIELD STRAIN
WOR-1
DOV-1
CIN-1
LEX-1
MORTALITY
100%
30%
10% 5%
5% DDT PRODUCT FOR 5 DAYS

18. Many Different Products

19. Life as a Bed Bug Thrive in conditions of 70° to 80°
One female can lay eggs in her life span
Can complete development within one month
Can produce three or more generations in one year

20. Life as a Bed Bug Nymphs need blood meal for each life stage
Life span can go from several weeks to several months without food depending on environmental factors

22. The Blood Meal The bite takes from 3 3 to 10 minutes
During the bite an anticoagulant is released
Stops the blood clotting
Numbs the bite area
The host seldom knows they are being bitten

23. The Blood Meal
Many people are allergic to the anticoagulant, which can affect reaction and symptoms
Symptoms of bites vary with each individual
Many symptoms develop within a day
Some people have little or no reaction
Some have a delayed reaction (3-5 days)

24. Bite Reaction Survey of 400 people with Bed Bug Infestations
72% showed reaction to the bites
28% showed no reaction

25. The Blood Meal
Bedbug feed

26. Bed Bug Bites

29. Bed Bug Bites

30. Bed Bug Bites

31. Bed Bug Bites

32. Not all bites are from bedbugs
Bat bugs look like bedbugs but don’t typically bite humans
Spiders don’t look anything like bed bugs

33. Not all bites are from bedbugs
Spiders bites don’t look anything like bed bug bites

34. Bed Bug vs. Bat Bug

35. What Do Bed Bugs Do to Humans?
Bed bugs feed on humans to obtain the blood they need to survive
Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease
Generally bite at night
Feed on exposed skin, face, neck, hands or arms
Bite characteristics
Small, hard, swollen white welt may develop at the site of the bite
Rash may occur
May cause itching that lasts several days

36. Where are Bed Bugs Found?
Crowded places where people often move/relocate
Hotels/motels
Dormitories
Shelters
Homes
Schools
Apartments
Trailer parks
Lush corporate offices
Movie theaters
Laundry facilities
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Prisons

37. History is Repeating Itself
Bed Bugs Where Found in these places pre DDT era
Homes
Schools
Offices
Hotels
Prisons
Theaters
Libraries
Any Public Place

38. Where are Bed Bugs Found?
Clean as well as dirty places; clutter makes it easier for them to hide

39. Where are Bed Bugs Found?
Clean as well as dirty places; clutter makes it easier for them to hide

40. Signs of an infestation
Typically they infest mattresses, box springs, bed frames and couches
These areas will have dark spots and stains from dried excrement
May be red or rusty spots of blood on bed sheets, mattresses or walls
Heavy infestations may also have a musty smell (though not a good indicator)
Bed bugs can survive without feeding for a year
Even vacant units can contain bed bugs

56. How are Bed Bugs Spread? Very efficient hitchhikers
Often infestations can be traced to travel
Attach to luggage, backpacks, clothing from beds, furniture, etc.
Bed bugs move when and where the infested object is moved
Often spread through the re-use of secondhand furniture
Used beds, couches and other items can be infested with eggs and nymphs that can be hard to find or see
Do not pick-up items from the curb for re-use

57. Major Events The 2000 Olympics in Australia
Been Linked as one of the largest reason for spread of Bed Bugs in North America and Europe
98% of the hotels in Sydney had at least one room with BB infestations.

58. 2010 Equestrian Games Expecting 5-600,000 tickets to be sold
25 Countries Represented.
Expected 75/64/71 Triangle to all be affected

59. How Can Bed Bugs Be Prevented?
Do not use secondhand beds, mattresses, box springs, couches or furniture especially if you are unsure of their history
Watch for signs of bed bugs when you travel by examining bed sheets, the mattress/box spring seams and headboard
Keep your suitcase off the floor and away from the bed when traveling

63. Travel Tips
Look at the room to seek potential hiding places for bed bugs, such as carpet edges, headboards, mattress seams, pillow case linings, wall trim or other tiny crack-like places bed bugs might hide
Look for signs of bed bug activity: droppings, eggs, bloodstains or even bed bugs themselves
Use hangers or hooks capable of keeping all clothing distant from the floor or bed

64. Travel Tips
Zip close your suitcase or travel bag, when you're not using it
Elevate luggage off the floor to tables or chairs--these may also be hiding places, but less likely
Keep any bed bugs you find (intact if possible) to show the hotel owner/manager
Trust your instinct

65. Self Prevention and Detection
If you feel that you have come in contact with bed bugs always do a self check using
A small flashlight
Magnifying glass
Check clothing, shoes, hair, any other belongings that might have come into contact

66. If you come in contact with Bed bugs
Clothing and bedding should be washed in hot soapy water and dried in a dryer hot cycle
Suitcases, backpacks and personal bags
Inspect thoroughly
Seams
Cracks and crevices
shoestrings
Vacuum thoroughly
Need to seal bag after changing
Have professional exterminator evaluate and treat as needed

67. How Can You Get Rid of a Bed Bug Infestation?
Treatment by a professional exterminator is necessary
Two main methods:
A combination of insecticides and other steps
Applied to all areas where infestation is or places where they tend to hide
Multiple applications may be required
In apartments and hotels, extermination of nearby units will also be required
High heat method
Due to danger involved, only professionals should use this method

68. Bed Bug Treatment
1945 “Amateur efforts usually result in amateur results.”
Arnold Mallis in Pest Control Magazine

69. How Can You Get Rid of a Bed Bug Infestation?
Furniture may have to be discarded, especially if heavily infested with bed bugs
Launder everything in question in hot cycle
Clutter should be cleaned up
Follow ALL instructions from pest control companies

70. Simple tasks you can do Keep clutter to a minimum
Bedbugs have more places to hide when there is a lot of clutter
Vacuum regularly and thoroughly
Make sure to seal bag when changing
Thoroughly and regularly inspect bedding
Look for signs of blood spots, or small debris
Kill all bedbugs on sight
Alcohol is effective
Only if it comes in direct contacts with the bedbugs
Does not kill eggs
Enclose mattress/box springs in zip-up mattress cover
It won’t eliminate them but will kill any bedbugs that are hiding in mattress

71. Groups that Should Be Looking Out for Bed Bugs
Schools
Family services: Home visits
Nurses, social workers, etc.
Cleaning/maids
Garbage Collectors
EMS/EMT

72. Detection of an Infestation and Treatment: Schools
Look for the following for possible infestation:
Bugs or shedding in backpacks, clothing, shoes
Bug bites and rash on open skin
If an infestation does occur then all or some of these steps can be taken:
Letter to parents explaining what they are, how to treat them and prevention methods
Treatment of school by professionals

73. Detection and Treatment Family Services: Home Visits
Detection methods
Look for bug bites and/or rash on open skin
Look for bug shedding and blood droplets
Treatment for health professional
Educate the family on how to rid the house of bugs
Prevention on how to keep the bed bugs from coming back
Educate on how to treat bed bugs (brochures)

74. Tips for Home Visiting personnel
Keep personal bags and items off floor or couches
Try to set bags, etc. on non-upholstered furniture
Try to stand or else sit only on non-upholstered furniture
Where light colored clothing for easier bug detection
Keep a spray bottle with alcohol
Spray any bugs found

75. Treatment of Infestation: Cleaning Business/Maids
Detection
Look in sheets, bedding, furniture, any cervices
Blood droplets
Bug shedding
Bugs themselves
Educate client on what the next step would be
Tell client what you have found
Maid Services
Tell property manager what you have found
Manager should call an exterminator
Exterminator should check surrounding rooms for same problems and treat as well

76. Detection and Treatment: EMT/EMS
Prevention:
Try not to brush against furniture
Try to avoid setting bags on floor or beds
Allow families on ambulances to bring only bare minimum of personal effects
Detection: Look for bug bites and rash areas on the skin. If going into the home of client look, around at the surrounding area for signs of infestation.
Check for bed bugs if you suspect exposure
Spray any found with alcohol

77. Garbage Collectors
When handling contaminated waste, remember to make sure that it is covered properly, and has markings to be sure that it is a contaminated product. This will better ensure that bed bugs will not travel to another location
Careful - waste may not be marked
Self inspection is necessary
Wear garments to help protect you so
you do not spread bed bugs

79. Bed bug myths Bed bugs spread disease…FALSE
Bed bugs have never been proven to transmit disease…yet.
Bed bugs prove a place is dirty…FALSE
Bed bugs are equal opportunity pests- they infest clean or dirty places, no matter if rich or poor
Bed bugs are microscopic …FALSE
Bed bugs are typically about a quarter inch long
Bed bugs fly…FALSE
But bed bugs can crawl quickly, like an ant

80. Bed bug myths Bed bugs can enter a house on their own…Partially true
Usually they hitchhike their way in, but they can move to adjoining apartments or condos, etc.
One bug can cause an infestation…Partially true
Has to be a gravid (pregnant) female
A single male/female pair can cause an outbreak
You can rid them by simply cleaning…FALSE
Requires thorough inspection
Requires multiple treatments

81. Conclusion
Bed bug infestations need professional treatment by exterminators
Sources of infestations can be used household items, personal items
Try to reduce exposure risks
Inform clients about what they can do if they find bed bugs.
Coping with bed bugs is really a lifestyle change
Education is the KEY

82. WHERE WE ARE:
HARD
PLACE
ROCK

83. Any Questions?

84. For More Information, Contact: Northern Kentucky Health Department Environmental Health and Safety 610 Medical Village Drive Edgewood, KY

85. Sources 2009 University of KY Short Course
University of KY Bed Bug Website