An Introduction to

Bed Bugs

Produced by: University of Florida/IFASDuval County Extension Office

Jacksonville Bed Bug Task Force

Presented by:

About Improving Kids’ Environment

Non-profit organization

IKE works to reduce environmental threats to children’s health

IKE’s Priorities Lead poisoning prevention Air pollution and asthma triggers Pesticide exposure

What are bed bugs?◦ Cimax lectularius◦ Parasites◦ Brown-Reddish Brown◦ Oval-shaped and flat with hairs◦ No wings◦ Do not jump or fly but run fast◦ Long piercing-sucking mouthpart◦ Feed on blood◦ Live near their hosts (people)1)Bed bugs can’t be seen with the naked eye – False (The adults are small (< ¼ inch) but can be seen.)

Identification

Bed Bug Life Cycle Lay about 3 eggs per day 5 Molts before they are adults Maturation takes about 4-9 weeks Lifespan can last 12-18 months2)Bed bugs can live for many months without feeding – True (Bed bugs can live up to one year without a bloodmeal)

3)Bed bugs are not know to cause or spread disease - True Nuisance Sleepless nights Inflamed skin lesions Stained sheets and

mattresses Psychological stress from

infested environment

Problems Caused by Bed Bugs

What Do They Feed On?

Where Did They Come From?

Where Can You Find Them?

Home

Movie Theatres

Public Transportation

School Buses

Schools

Day Cares and Neighborhood

Centers

Hotels

Bed bugs are only found on the bed - False

Bed Bug Feeding

Feed mainly at night, but will feed in daytime as well 10 mins, once a week Long proboscis to “suck”

blood

Bed bugs bite only at night - False

Unfed adult Fed adult

H. Harlan ©H. Harlan ©

Unfed nymph Fed nymph

UF UF

H. Harlan ©

Bed bug ventral head view

Some People are not affected by bed bug bites - True Not everyone reacts to bed

bug bites Bites are usually in rows Do not transmit diseases Secondary infections can

occur

Bites

Most people who show symptoms develop them after 10 days the first time they are bitten.

If you have been bitten before then reactions may be immediate.

Bites

Quick movers◦ Adults can crawl about 4 ft/minute◦ Nymphs can crawl about 1 ft/minute

Movement

2½ minutes for an adult to make it from a TV stand to the pillow

10 minutes for a nymph

Bed bugs cannot fly and will not jump from the floor to the bed. - True

Look for blood spots and staining

Monitor for insect presence

Odor

Prevention & Monitoring

Only dirty cluttered homes get bed bugs – false

If you have bed bugs you need to get rid of infested clothing and furniture – False

More Myths

Be Careful with Used FurnitureDiscarded

mattresses

Used Furniture

Mattress Encasements

Encasing a mattress and box spring will prevent future bed bug infestation in your home. - False

Plastic Bins and Bags

Placed under bed posts

Monitoring device

Bed needs to be pulled away from the wall

Climb-Ups

After 2 weeks in an infested apartment.

Clothing and linens do not have to be washed first

Down-filled items resist heat

1 hour on high heat

Bed bugs die at 120°F after 1 minute of exposure

Dryer

Thoroughly vacuum the carpet areas

Dispose of vacuum bag

In between uses place vacuum in heat or isolate in sealed bag

Vacuuming

Use a steamer that reaches 115°-130°F. It will kill the eggs and nymphs and if you get a direct hit will kill the adults. 

But even if you don’t kill the adults at least the steam will flush them out of their hiding place.  Then you can use a HEPA vacuum to scoop them up. 

Steam Heat

Bed Bugs in School Identify the insect

Determine source

Be discreet, inform parents

Follow IPM Action Plan

Educate

Educate

School Administrators

Parents

Kids

Acknowledgment:

Jacksonville Bed Bug Task ForceErin Harlow, University of Florida/IFAS-Duval CountyDr. Phil Koehler, University of Florida/IFASDr. Roberto Pereira, University of Florida/IFASLinda Prentice, Bug Out ServicesDr. Rebecca Baldwin, University of Florida/IFASCorrine McNeill, University of Florida/IFASJennifer Leggett, Lindsey Pest ServicesJohn Cooksey, McCall ServiceWayne Walker, University of Florida/IFAS

Margaret Huelsman and Indra Frankmhuelsman@ikecoalition.org 1915 W. 18th St. Indianapolis, IN 46202317-253-1312www.ikecoalition.org