1. Re-emergence of bed bugs in the U.S.
Abelardo C. Moncayo, Ph.D.
Vector-Borne Disease Section
Tennessee Department of Health

2. Historical perspective
Bed bugs have plagued humans for thousands of years
Origin of relationship remains unclear
Originally a problem for the wealthy
Enhanced by fire and heated homes
Present in literature as far back as 400 B.C.E.

3. Decline of bed bugs Three major factors: DDT use in 1950s
Improved vacuum cleaners
Changes in home construction

4. Current status
targeted pest treatments + bans, frequent travel have led to a bed bug resurgence in the U.S.
300% increase in cases from 2000 to 2001
70% increase in cases in 2002 and 2003
Orkin had a 20% increase in bed bug calls in 2004
Reports of bed bugs in 43 states last year
Chemical companies are reluctant to enter the bed bug market because of failure to control
Difficult to detect, to treat, and often to identify

5. Family Cimicidae : The bed bugs
About 91 species in 22 genera
12 genera only parasitize bats
9 genera only parasitize birds
3 species parasitize humans
Cimex lectularius (worldwide)
Cimex hemipterus (tropics)
Leptocimex boueti (West Africa)
Other species of concern (may bite people)
Bat bug (Cimex adjunctus)
Swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius)
Chimney Swift Bug (Cimexopsis nyctalis)
Question of origin
Humans in caves
Bats in homes

6. Human-biting bed bugs

7. In Tennessee ?? 1 possible species Most likely 3 species
Cimex lectularius
Bed Bug
Cimex adjunctus
Bat Bug
Cimexopsis nyctalis
Chimney Swift Bug
Oeciacus vicarius
Swallow Bug
1 possible species

8. Identification BED BUG Adults 1/4 to 3/8” long Brown to reddish brown
Oval shaped
Flattened
Beak-like mouthparts
Small, stubby, nonfunctional wing pads
“Obnoxiously sweet” odor
BED BUG

9. Habits External parasites that feed on blood
Humans are the preferred host !
However - also feed on birds, rodents, bats, pets
Feed during the night with peak activity occurring just before dawn
Seek refuge during daylight in dark, protected areas
Prefer dry fabric, wood, and paper surfaces
Fast-moving

10. Injury
Painless bite
Reaction to the injected saliva (individual variability)
Swelling
Rows of welts
Severe itching (hours to days)
No conclusive evidence of disease transmission
Hepatitis B
Chagas’ Disease
Anxiety

11. Immediate Bite Reactions

12. Delayed Reactions (> 24 hrs.)

13. Life Cycle Egg Female can lay 1-12 eggs per day
Deposited on rough surfaces or in cracks and crevices
Hatch in 6-17 days

14. Life Cycle
Nymph
5 instars
Require a blood meal to molt

15. Life Cycle Adult May live for 12-18 months
Total developmental time takes F and F
Nymphs and adults can survive for more than a year without Food !!

16. Feeding - Several Instars

17. Engorged Nymphs-1 & 2

18. Engorging Adults & N - 2

19. Prevention Don’t bring infested items into the home
Inspect clothing and baggage of travelers
Inspect secondhand beds, bedding, and furniture
Exclude alternative hosts (birds, bats, rodents, etc.)
Caulk cracks & crevices in building’s exterior
Repair or screen openings

20. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Correctly identify the pest
Thoroughly inspect the premises to locate harborage sites
Encourage sanitary conditions
Apply insecticides to targeted sites

21. Inspection tips: recognize common signs
Blood stains from crushed bugs
Fecal spots
Shed skins & eggshells
Offensive, sweet, musty odor

22. Inspection tips: common harborage sites
Cracks and crevices
Mattress, box springs, bed frame
Window and door frames
Baseboards
Carpet tack boards
Electrical boxes
Wall hangings
Drapery pleats
Loosened wallpaper
Ceiling moldings

23. Sanitation Vacuum mattress and premises Scrub mattress seams
** (dispose of vacuum bag) ** ??
Scrub mattress seams
Dry clean or launder bedding and clothing in hot water - Dry on high heat.
Repair plaster cracks
Glue loosened wallpaper
Remove wild animal roosts and nests

24. Chemical control
Hundreds of products ‘registered’ for use on bed bugs in US
Formulations
196 pressurized liquids
90 ready-to-use solutions
53 emulsifiable concentrates
47 dusts
Chemicals
196 Permethrin
140 Pyrethrins
12 variations of ‘-thrins’

25. Insecticides Residual insecticides Spot treat harborage sites
Dust formulations useful for wall voids and attics
Use only an appropriately labeled insecticide on mattresses
No insecticides are labeled for use on bedding or linens

26. Misconceptions
Foreigners
Poor
Homeless
Reports
Type O blood, etc…

27. Bed Bug Emergency Response Plan (BBERP)