Bed bugs insects are durable, resilient and hardy creatures detested by all who come in contact with them. These bugs have been a pest problem for centuries. Records of infestations in Europe date back to medieval times and even during Aristotles time of philosophizing in Greece, these insects were a chronicled menace.
Before the 1950s, people were aware of prevention methods. They were cautious upon leaving home and would take steps to prevent infestation. For example, movie goers were unlikely to set their belongings, such as purses or coats, in the seat next to them.
Also, when staying in a hotel, travelers would automatically check for insects and most apartment complexes were outfitted with a fumigation chamber. New tenants were required to decontaminate their beds and fabric covered furniture before moving in.
For almost 50 years, they have not been a nuisance and people currently toss coats and handbags in the movie theater seat next to them without concern of a possible infestation. When taking a taxi, riders think nothing of setting their briefcases on the floor or using the trunk for suitcases. In hotels, travelers store their luggage on the unused bed. Unfortunately, this lack of caution can transport these horrid insects into their homes.
Their scientific name is Cimex lectularius and they are in the insect genus Hemiptera. These clever little brown bugs have a thin body and were derived from Asia. Unfortunately, they are now found throughout the world. Their primary food source is human blood, and the blood of family pets or rodents in the property. They strike while their victims are fast asleep and oblivious to having become a victim to a vampire-like insect.
Cimex lectularius are multinational and can be found in most climates, although they prefer the environments of North America, Central Asia and Europe. They are occasionally found in southern regions. However, a different species known by the scientific name of C. lectularius is generally found in California.
Another species named C. hemipterus are often found in warm tropical environments such as Florida where they feed on people, bats and chickens. Other species, such as the Oeciaus vicaruis, is commonly named the swallow bug and the Cimexopsis nycatalis is known as the swift bug.
They are part of the same class of insects as aphids and water scorpions. However, the majority of the insects in the hemiptera order consumes plant sap as their food source and transport significant plant diseases.
They thrive when they feed on humans, but they will ingest the blood of other living mammals such as rabbits, mice, rats and birds. In the past, invasions generally occurred in run-down living conditions and from overcrowded residences. Unfortunately, these resilient insects have undergone revitalization and are now finding their way into luxury hotels and high-class multi-million dollar homes.
The reason for their renewed activity is not entirely known, but experts in the field of extermination, believe that people are traveling more, giving insects access to luggage and personal items. Often, these hardy insects make homes in recreation dwellings that are located in the wilderness near hiking trails. Also, summer camp cabins and park facilities are vulnerable to infestation. When homeowners discover bugs in their mattresses, their occurrence can often be tracked to a trip spent at a leisure wilderness location. Another factor in the resurgence is that pesticides are now chemically enhanced for environmental safety, which is a health benefit for people and animals. Unfortunately, this is causing the poisons to be less effective against durable insects.
They have numerous common names and are also known as mahogany flats, wall louse, chinches, crimson ramblers, house bug and chintzes. Entomologists are aware of at least 92 separate species and their relatives throughout the world. These bloodsucking creatures have adapted to humans completely and have followed people all around the globe. In fact, when they feed, their bite is often pain-free to the host. Within the United States, citizens claim to hate and fear them more than dirty, nasty cockroaches. During the 1940s, the use of DDT almost eradicated them, but they have found a way to regenerate with the elimination of this successful pesticide.
These bugs are considered the only bloodsucking insect that does not officially transfer diseases such as malaria or West Nile virus like a similar blood-feeding insect, which is the mosquito. However, the can contain several different human infections in their bodies and they can cause people to suffer from allergies, digestive disorders and nervous system problems. If you have an adverse reaction I recommend seeking medical assistance immediately you are better safe than sorry.
Sensitive individuals may suffer greater problems from bites and lab testing has shown that they can transport contributing agents for typhus, anthrax, yellow fever and plague. Children can be greatly affected by living conditions where there is a significant infestation as they can cause lethargy.
Mature bugs have long antennae and the first two sections of their antennae have an angled look. Their eyes are small and compound while their bodies are flat and oval shaped. Also, they are usually a reddish brown color with the area located behind their head stretching forward on adults.
Juvenile bugs have the same body style as the adult bugs; however, they are a smaller size with pale yellow coloring and a thin exterior skeleton. The upper portion of their bodies is reminiscent of paper and is covered with short yellow gold hair.
Males can be recognized with the end of their abdomen ending in a point while the female insects have rounded abdomens. They can measure at three quarters of an inch and are distinguishable from other blood-ingesting insects by their round bodies, size and absence of wings. Their legs are well formed and the bugs are able to climb vertically.
They have been spotted climbing up wood, plaster, wallpaper and even unclean glass surfaces. Furthermore, these insects have been known to drop from the ceiling onto unsuspecting residents. They are about the size of a regular power button on a television remote.
The insects are increasing in numbers overall because they are able to reproduce through practiced traumatic insemination. The males cut into the female abdomen and leave their sperm within the body of the female. Young bugs expel hormones, which notify the females that they are unable to fertilize eggs. When a female is fertilized, she will move to a location with fewer bugs to prevent other insects from inadvertently causing her harm.
The females are able to expel from three to five small, white eggs each day totaling 200 to 500 throughout their lifespan. They lay in groups of 10 to 50 and prefer to drop them on irregular surfaces such as newspaper or wood. When a female releases her eggs, a sticky substance coats them and they hatch in one to three weeks. Furthermore, bugs hatch out of their eggs more quickly in a warm environment. Females can only lay eggs for 11 days, unless they feed. Once the eggs are hatched, the shells are left behind, and individuals suffering from an infestation may notice the abandoned eggshells.
Juveniles, also known as nymphs, progress through five separate stages on their way to adulthood. In order to shed their covering into the next stage, the bugs must ingest a blood meal. The complete life phase to grow into a mature insect can take from five weeks to four months. Juveniles can survive for up to a year in this stage if a blood source is inaccessible and their climate is cold.
Additionally, their growth cycle is dependent upon the temperature of their living environment and how much blood is accessible to them. When they experience temperatures from 70 to 82F, they are able to progress quickly. Once a juvenile has fed, they will turn crimson or violet. Infested individuals can recognize a juvenile by comparing the size of the insect to a grain of fresh ground pepper.
They are cunning and in order to access their favorite food supply of human blood, they feed at night and hide in a variety of sneaky places during the day. The bloodthirsty creatures hide in mattress seams, box springs, furniture, behind pictures, upholstery and underneath ripped or loose wallpaper.
They can come home with homeowners from a variety of locations such as trains, buses and theaters. Also, they crawl easily into linens, suitcases and clothing. These bloodsucking insects are able to endure long periods of time without feeding and can live up to 140 days without blood. Mature insects are able to live longer than juveniles, and adults have been recorded enduring 550 days without a food source.
When they feed, they generally eat for three to ten minutes and the amount of blood they are able to ingest can be up to six times its body weight. Once theyve fed, they become bloated and look like moving drops of blood. Adults exist for about 10 months, and may be responsible for up to four generations of insects each year. Additionally, these insects can crawl over 100 feet to ingest their preferred food source of blood.
They feed on humans by penetrating the skin with extended mouthparts that contain two bristle-shaped feelers, which tuck underneath the bugs body when they are not in use. One feeler has a channel that transports saliva into the penetration and the other has a channel that sucks blood into the body.
When bitten, people generally feel a small pin prick, but because they feed when humans are sleeping, they are unaware of the attack until later.
The insects often attack the face, arms and neck. Bitten individuals can treat bites by washing the area with gentle soap and warm water. Another cleansing option is to use a thinned enzyme solution. To prevent itching, a bitten individual can treat the area with anti-itch medications such as hydrocortisone or Benadryl cream.
Inhabitants with bites should see a doctor and may be advised to treat bites with bentonite clay. Bitten homeowners who experience chest tightness, problems breathing or allergic reactions should see a doctor immediately and will most likely be treated with antibiotics, epinephrine or antihistamines.
Their saliva can cause the penetrated area to swell, which is similar to mosquito or spider bites. In fact, the swelling so closely mimics mosquito bites that people often remain unaware that their home or hotel room is infested until they spot a moving bug or signs of infestation.
It can take up to 10 days for infested individuals to notice that they have been attacked by the bugs and only about half of the overall inhabitants notice initial bite marks. Individuals who are over age 65 are unlikely to notice a bite. A report discovered that 42% these seniors are either not bitten or dont notice when they are.
A definitive sighting is the only way for infested individuals to absolutely verify the existence of the bugs in their home, although an infestation may be suspected with other signs such as a foul odor. The smell is often described as moldy and excessively sweet. Additionally, the odor is often compared to overly ripened strawberries or syrup.
Another sign is small fecal stains that are dark red. Individuals can spot the insects by using a bright light with a hand lens.
When these annoying insects initially enter a home, they generally hide in mattress seams and around the edges of the bed, which places them in close proximity to their host at prime feeding times. However, the longer a home, hotel or shelter is infested, the further out the insects roam. You can use the bed bug registry to look up recent reports at hotels before booking.
The bugs flat bodies allow them to hide under buttons or in any type of negated space. Residents have found them in electrical outlets, window frames and drapes.
Homeowners who suspect an infestation can inspect their home at night using a red light. They should look in drawers, under the mattress and check upholstered furniture. If the pests are uncovered, then the resident can vacuum the room, mattress and furniture completely.
Also, bed linens should be washed in borax and cleansed in hot water regularly after the infestation is discovered. They naturally stay close to their food source.
Before bringing in camping gear, used bed frames, secondhand mattresses or furniture of any kind, a thorough inspection can save residents a lot of work.
Individuals should note that any type of mattress is susceptible to harboring them including pillow tops, memory foam and even water beds.
They can also infiltrate empty apartments, outside dog or cat beds and chicken coops. They may remain in these areas even when they have been unoccupied for a long period of time. Cabin owners will want to ensure their vacation residence is sealed up tightly before leaving for the season.
Animals such as mice, rats, bats and birds can attract them as well because the insects can survive on their blood as well. Preventing these mammals from making a home in empty vacation residences can avert an infestation. Vacation residence owners should seal all gaps or cracks in walls and floors. Also, owners should clean and vacuum mattresses, floors, drapes and upholstered fabrics periodically.
Homeowners can prevent them from making a home in their residence by changing bed linens weekly, or daily for greater protection. These bloodsucking insects are unable to fly and transport themselves by crawling, so moving the bed away from walls and adding talc powder can dissuade them from making mattresses a home.
Beds can be protected further from the use of duct tape with the sticky surface left facing up or petroleum jelly spread underneath the mattress for those with solid surface flooring.
When traveling, there are several steps individuals can take to prevent them from coming home with them. Hotel rooms, cruise ship cabins and RV rentals should be inspected thoroughly. Vacationers are advised to look behind the head board and check underneath the mattress. Also, guests can closely inspect the mattress seams and inside the drawers of their vacation accommodations.
Travelers should keep their suitcases on luggage racks instead of on the bed or the floor. Once vacationers have returned home, they should unload clothing into a washing machine immediately and examine bags closely for hitchhiking bugs.
Homeowners are advised to consider hiring a professional pest company for an official confirmation that their insect problem is a result of an infection of these bloodsucking insects. The company may require a fee for this service. However, they should provide the homeowner with a written explanation of the pest problem along with a definite identification. A professional exterminator will be able to recommend a course of action and can determine the safest most effective way to eliminate the pest infestation.
A pest management professional should work with homeowners to investigate how the infestation occurred and tell them how to prevent future insect problems. Additionally, residents may need to be informed regarding treatment preparation and what steps need to be taken for consistent home maintenance.
Homeowners should be aware that a cluttered home may result in the evaluator underestimating the amount of an infestation. Pest specialists base their treatment recommendations on the amount of bugs in an infestation along with how far into a residence the insects have spread.
Professional exterminating companies generally provide homeowners with a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS. This information will provide inhabitants with information regarding the hazards, chemical composition and the precautions that must be taken when employing the services of an exterminator.
Apartment owners who possess a residence with an infestation problem will want to visually inspect all apartments within the complex on a monthly basis. However, landlords may need to ask residents to inspect their own apartments if the owner is unable to do a visual inspection personally that often.
Apartment infestations can be especially tricky to resolve because they often infest all of the residences in the building.
Specially trained dogs are frequently used by pest companies to detect these insects and are recommended for certain types of infestation. Canines can locate the entire infestation problem giving affected individuals the opportunity to eradicate the total problem.
These trained animals are also able to verify an infestation when a professional has been unable to do so. Dogs can double check after a treatment to make sure that the application was effective in eliminating all of the insects.
A pest inspector who has purchased a canine trained to locate these insects has paid around $10,000 for the animal and generally charges homeowners $1,300 every day a team is needed at the home.
Canines can help apartment residents relax based on their success rates at detecting infestations. Dogs are able to accurately detect the insects 98% of the time. Unfortunately, that does leave a few instances when the animals incorrectly report insects or when the dog handler may have misunderstood the animals signals.
Dogs can have problems correctly identifying infestations for several reasons including a stressful environment, uncomfortable situation or they can just have an off day. Handlers should remember that dogs used for this purpose are service animals and are not pets.
Also, the canines must be constantly trained to reduce the chances of falsely reporting bugs when there arent any. Training involves blind test kits, personal visits and video conferencing with their original trainer. Dogs that are well-trained can even detect fertilized eggs from those that are not viable. Furthermore, they can inspect a home much more quickly than a human can. Canine inspections are recommended when a professional is unable to confirm an infestation.
Another verification option for homeowners to consider is a monitor. These handy devices are used as an alternative to visual inspection. There are two types of monitors that can be used as confirmation, which are the moat design and the portable device.
The cost of moat monitors is $8.00 for four, but when a carbon dioxide-attracting mechanism is added, then the cost increases and can be from $15.00 to $950.00.
The moat-style monitor is used under the leg of a bed frame or bedside table. The leg is placed in the center of the device and talcum powder is sprinkled on the sides of the moat. This monitor causes the bugs to fall in and become trapped.
Regular moat monitors are an affordable option and are also used to determine further treatment methods. Additionally, a moat device is placed on the interior and exterior of the bed, which can detect where the bugs are hiding. This monitor will also prevent bugs from crawling into the bed.
This is a beneficial system to establish the existence of insects in a home and if a pest treatment is needed. Also, a moat monitor can save homeowners time and stress.
The downside to moat monitors is that they use a person as bait to tempt and capture. Furthermore, the talcum powder must be maintained for maximum effectiveness. If its not, then these crafty insects can get into and out of the moat. Beds with decorative additions, such as bed skirts or even just a blanket hanging to the floor, will give bugs a way to access their human victims around the monitor. Also, moats can only be used with furniture that has legs and the devices can crack when theyre not placed on a flat surface.
A moat device can be a better detection tool that is less expensive than animal or human discovery because the device isnt based upon training or diligence. However, they are only as good as the maintenance completed to keep them working properly.
A portable monitor entices these insects by the use of heat, pheromones and carbon dioxide. They keep the bugs trapped inside the device, which prevents them from feeding and causes the insects to die. This type of monitor generally uses a combination of lures to tempt the bugs into entering them. There is some debate as to which formula works the best, so homeowners may have to attempt different attraction methods. Also, these devices can be expensive at over $500.00.
One study found that heat offered a much greater attraction for than other lures, but homeowners who use this lure should note that the highest temperature the monitor should be set at is 110F. Higher temperature settings will repel the bugs.
However, separate studies found that carbon dioxide and chemical pheromones were successful as well. Therefore, homeowners with an infestation may find that their particular insects are attracted to one lure over another.
Overall effectiveness is still in testing phases, so once their performance has been confirmed, a portable monitor could be a better option. They may be able to prevent the moving between units in an apartment complex and monitors would be cost effective for landlords in this situation.
Additionally, monitors have demonstrated a higher success rate at locating the bugs than visual inspections and they are able to provide homeowners with a better understanding of the degree of infestation that has invaded their home. Pest control specialists use monitors when an infestation is suspected, but cant be confirmed, generally due to low insect involvement. Also, monitors need to be left in place for as long as a few weeks to confirm an invasion.
Pest removal professionals should be trained to organize a treatment plan correctly and homeowners should always make sure that they hire an experienced company. Homeowners can expect the pest company to give them initial instructions, which is to clean and arrange the infested area the same as they would if they had guests coming for a visit.
However, preparation will depend upon the pest company because some experts request that homeowners dont disturb the insects prior to their arrival. Additionally, this will prevent homeowners from unnecessarily preparing their home.
When pest control specialists arrive and inspect the problem, they will decide the best method of treatment to eliminate the infestation. Administration efforts to eliminate infestations include steam, monitors, pesticides and vacuuming. Pest experts may decide to use a combination of treatment options to eradicate the problem more effectively.
While an inspection is in process, specialists will kill bugs that they locate using methods that are non-toxic for people or pets. They will also remove the insect and advise homeowners about their elimination process. For most infestation cases, pest control experts will generally utilize one of two options. The first option requires the homeowner to prepare the home before treatment. This step includes scouring items, adding mattress encasements and straightening up disorder. Or, they may treat the home during the inspection and then schedule a follow up treatment to confirm complete elimination.
A natural way to remove these bugs from a residence includes removing debris and clutter. A pest professional will have a much better chance of spotting insects and treating the home when residents participate in this step. Homeowners with a hoarding problem will need to work with mental experts to remove items from their home that have emotional ties. Other psychological conditions may be debilitating the homeowner, causing them to protest removing infested items. In situations where exterminators arent sensitive to the issues facing the resident, a home may not be prepared correctly causing the infestation to spread.
An overabundance of clutter is most often the reason exterminating efforts fail. Also, failure occurs when a homeowner doesnt follow up with the pest control companys advice to keep the bugs out of the home. The most difficult treatments are done in homes with more than one family in residence. This is even more complicated in multi-family low-income housing units. Problems occur because of the number of people included in the infestation and lack of funds available for provisions, such as mattress encasements.
Its important to note that clutter and inadequate cleaning habit do not cause infestations, but once a residence is infected, then disorder and poor cleaning can make treatments less likely to succeed.
Prior to the first inspection, the exterminating company will give homeowners a list of simple clean-up that is required in the areas suspected. Personal possessions should be removed from the floor and homeowners are advised to vacuum the rooms before a pest inspection is completed.
An inspector may advise affected homeowners to prepare for their inspection by loosening outlet covers near the bed. This will let the inspector review the home quickly and avoid damage to the walls. If a pest inspector locates a bug, then he should kill it immediately and remove it from the home.
Pest professionals should expertly prepare a room to eliminate bugs prior to treatment. In cases of apartment infestation, a pest expert can advise management on how to treat future infestations.
Homeowners may be planning to throw out infested items, but this may not be necessary. In actuality, this may cause the insects to spread throughout the city because thrown-out items are frequently foraged by other needy individuals. Experts do recommend discarding possessions when this is the cleanest option for an item that has a massive infestation, or when the furniture item cannot be fitted with a properly fitted encasement. A bed frame can be treated with a pesticide and fabric items can be heated or fumigated, saving expensive pieces from the landfill.
Also, when replacement items are brought into a home, residents should not use the same vehicle for transport, as this can re-infest a home. Homeowners should be given specific details by exterminators on how to dispose of items properly.
For example, items should be wrapped and marked to prevent others from inadvertently bringing infested items into their home. When residents are disposing items, they should make insect filled furniture unusable by ripping open the fabric and breaking wood sections. Affected homeowners may also write on the items that the items have an infestation.
Managers of low-income housing units may consider providing tenants with mattress encasements to protect them from potential infestations. This protective device removes hiding places and eases the process of determining an infestation in its beginning stages.
Treatment is easier with encasements and the use of chemicals can be avoided. For individuals with asthma, an added benefit of mattress encasements is the prevention of dust mites.
Residents living in low-income housing may not be able to afford the price tag of encasements, which can be approximately $80.00 for the mattress and $50.00 for the box springs. This piece of equipment is constructed to contain these insects and they are unable to bite their way out.
However, the device must stay on the mattress for more than a year to make sure the insects trapped inside are dead. Additionally, apartment owners should be aware that inexpensive covers constructed from vinyl often tear before the year is over.
A cover must prevent the bugs from escaping and should be strong enough to endure a year of use without breaking. Often, bugs find their way out through the zipper and residents considering adding an encasement to their mattress should confirm whether the device has been tested specifically for treatment.
A well-constructed mattress encasement is vital in treating an infestation and should be used immediately upon insect discovery.
These blood-thirsty insects starve when they are trapped inside an encasement with studies showing that the insects can die in as little as three months, but homeowners should keep the cover on for the entire year to ensure insect elimination.
Locations that see a high resident turnover such as shelters, apartments and hotels should add encasements before an insect infestation occurs. This step will make treatment easier and save funds in the long run.
If a homeowner is unable to purchase an encasement for both the box springs and the mattress, then the box springs should be protected first as they are more likely to hide effectively in a box spring than in a mattress.
Mattress encasements with a pesticide added are available, but should be used with caution. Studies have shown that in some cases that the bugs can adjust to the pesticide making eradication more difficult in future bug generations. Also, the added chemical may aggravate the person sleeping on the mattress. If a pest professional recommends this step, then the mattress encasement should be exchanged for one without the added chemical after the bugs have been killed. In most cases, this type of encasement is used to kill the bugs quickly before taking the mattress to the landfill.
One pest specialist tested pesticide-added encasements against encasements without the added chemical and found that an encasement with the pesticide included was much more effective at treating infestations.
Vacuuming is another non-chemical treatment method that can be utilized to reduce residents exposure to pesticides. A pest professional may remove bugs with a vacuum during the inspection process.
In a large infestation, live insects are present along with dead, rubble, molted skin, empty egg shells and feces. This leftover debris creates a challenging environment for inspectors to evaluate.
Vacuums are not powerful enough to remove cemented eggs, but a strong vacuum will be able to help the pest inspector locate live insects. This treatment method is an immediate eradication approach, although re-inspection and other types of treatments such as cleaning are usually required.
A disadvantage to vacuuming is that often they hide in areas where a vacuum cant reach. Also, the pests can re-infest a home by remaining in the vacuum if the appliance isnt cleaned properly after treatment. The best way for vacuums to be used during a treatment is during the initial inspection to extract the insects as they are discovered. Pest professionals recommend using a vacuum that has a bag, which can be removed and tossed out. Additionally, adding an insecticide sand or talcum powder inside the bag to eradicate the insects can ensure a successful treatment.
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