BEDBUGSThe Hidden Enemy

By Eric C. Ratcliff

Bedbugs Are Back!

• Eradicated in the U.S. in the 30’s with DDT• Brought back into U.S. by travelers &

foreigners• Now resistant to DDT & other pesticides• Spread by transients & others• Carried from place to place• May now be found in any public place,

especially schools & day care centers

Historical Perspective

• Evolved with man & adapted to human habitations

• Bedbugs are mentioned in ancient Egyptian & Greek literature

• Introduced to North America by colonists from Europe

The Enemy Revealed!

Adult Bedbug

Adult Bedbug

Actual Size

Bedbug Nymphs

Bedbugs eggs

Bedbug Eggs

Identification – size & shape

• Adults oval• Adults about size of apple seed (1/4”)• 1st stage nymphs < 1/10”• Flattened when unfed• Swollen after feeding• Eggs cylindrical & 1/32” long

Color

• Adult bedbugs are brown when unfed – reddish brown after feeding

• Young nymphs are light brown when unfed – red after feeding

• Eggs are off white

Bedbug Nymphs

Before Feeding After Feeding

Bedbug Life Cycle

• Female lays 1 – 12 eggs/day• Eggs hatch in 6 – 17 days• 5 nymphal stages• Development from egg to adult affected by

temperature – 21 days at 86 deg F, 120 days at 65 deg F

• Live 12 to 18 months• Need blood meal to breed & grow

Feeding Habits

• Nocturnal – hide during day & come out at night to feed

• Feed only on blood – usually human blood• Can feed on pets or other animals• Sharp beak pierces skin• Inject salivary fluid with anitcoagulant• Adults feed 10 to 15 minutes• Nymphs become engorged within 3 minutes

Bedbug Bite

• Bite is initially painless• Allergic reaction in some people, i.e. welts &

severe itching• Reaction may take 2 weeks• No reaction in some people• No evidence of disease transmission• Can lead to anxiety & sleeplessness

Bedbug Bites

Nymph Feeding On Finger

Treatment of Bites

• Do not scratch – scratching can lead to infection

• Wash affected areas – bedbugs defecate as they feed

• Cortisone cream may be used to reduce itching

Bedbugs

• Crawl, but not as fast as cockroaches• Cannot fly, jump, or hop• Tend to cluster together• Able to hide in small cracks due to flattened

body• May be seen during day if infestation is severe• Prefer to lay eggs on rough surfaces

Bedbugs

• External – don’t live on body• Usually found near food source, i.e. where

people are sleeping or resting• Can travel relatively long distances to feed• Not caused by bad housekeeping or hygiene• Poor housekeeping will hinder extermination

or make it virtually impossible

Hiding Places

• Mattress & box springs, especially seams• Couches, easy chairs, & other furniture• Behind baseboards & under carpet• Electric outlets & switch plates• Drapes, wallpaper, & picture frames

Hiding Places

• Peeling wallpaper• Light fixtures• Clothing• Toys• Nicknacks• Anything else you can think of

Signs of Infestation

• Live & dead bedbugs• Shed skins & egg shells• Black fecal spots• Blood stains from crushed bugs

Blood Smears

Bedbugs On Mattress Seam

Bedbugs on Carpet

Bedbugs Behind Baseboard

Bedbug Treatment

• Inform landlord ASAP• Strongly recommend licensed professional• Licensed professional must be hired if more

than 4 units in one place• Eliminate clutter• Check all possessions for bedbugs• Pack up as much as possible

Treating With Pesticides

• Residual insecticides w/ pyrethroids• Available at hardware stores• Not as effective as restricted use pesticides

available to licensed applicators• Must be labeled for use on bedbugs• Follow directions on label – don’t overdo it• The label is the law

Treatment Methods• No insecticides labeled for use on bedding• Insecticides available for treating mattress• Diatomaceous earth • Beware of products sold on the internet• Dispose of heavily infested items• Killed by 120 degree heat• More resistant to cold temperatures

Treatment Methods

• Wash bedding & clothing in hot water and/or dry on high heat for 20 to 30 minutes

• Vacuum thoroughly – empty container or bag• Remove and discard crushed bugs• Steam heat for furniture

Treatment Methods

• Buy good quality mattress bags• Check bed every day• Use cups under bed legs• Heat treatment• Cold treatment• Search & destroy• Must be aggressive

Professional Exterminators

• Should treat every two weeks• Once a month not sufficient• Usually treat 2 to 3 times• Will not treat if there’s too much clutter• Cost of treatment between landlord & tenant

Bedbug Prevention

• Be careful who you visit & who visits you• Check used furniture before bringing it home• Check book bags & purses• Avoid sleepovers• Seal cracks & holes

Prevention When Traveling

• Check hotel/motel room for bedbugs, especially mattress, box spring, & headboard

• Don’t unpack suitcases• Place suitcases on rack• After returning, check suitcases, clothing, &

other items before bringing inside

Tips for Home Care Visitors

• Don’t sit on upholstered furniture• Don’t place bags on floor• Don’t bring in unnecessary items• Wear disposable coveralls & booties• Check for bedbugs after visit• Change clothes before going home

Tips for Schools

• Educate parents & kids• Encourage personal inspections• Keep eyes peeled• Separate coat storage• Prohibit book bags• Use clothes dryer if available• Keep infested kids at home

Licensed Applicators

• Recommend maintenance personnel become licensed pesticide applicators

• Licensing by Ohio Dept. of Agriculture• Pay fee, study provided materials, take test• Yearly renewal fee• Recertification every three years• www.agri.ohio.gov

Regulatory Agency

• Regulatory authority is CCGHD• Sanitarian investigates written complaints• Will issue orders if appropriate• Cannot provide material assistance or funds• Can provide information & training

Resource List

• www.ohioline.osu.edu• www.clermonthealthdistrict.org• www.odh.ohio.gov• www.centralohiobedbugs.org

The End