Category Archives: Bed Bugs Florida

common name: bed bug scientific name: Cimex lectularius Linnaeus (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Introduction - Distribution - Description - Life Cycle - Survey and Management - Selected References Introduction (Back to Top)

Sometimes referred to as "red coats," "chinches," or "mahogany flats" (USDA 1976), bed bugs, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, are blood feeding parasites of humans, chickens, bats and occasionally domesticated animals (Usinger 1966). Bed bugs are suspected carriers of leprosy, oriental sore, Q-fever, and brucellosis (Krueger 2000) but have never been implicated in the spread of disease to humans (Dolling 1991). After the development and use of modern insecticides, such as DDT, bed bug infestations have virtually disappeared. However, since 1995, pest management professionals have noticed an increase in bed bug related complaints (Krueger 2000).

Figure 1. Adult bed bug, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, feeding. Photograph by Joseph Smith, University of Florida.

Human dwellings, birds nests, and bat caves make the most suitable habitats for bed bugs since they offer warmth, areas to hide, and most importantly hosts on which to feed (Dolling 1991). Bed bugs are not evenly distributed throughout the environment but are instead concentrated in harborages (Usinger 1966). Within human dwellings, harborages include cracks and crevices in walls, furniture, behind wallpaper and wood paneling, or under carpeting (Krueger 2000). Bed bugs are usually only active during night but will feed during the day when hungry (Usinger 1966). Bed bugs can be transported on clothing, in traveler's luggage, or in bedding and furniture (USDA 1976) but lack appendages to enable them to cling to hair, fur, or feathers, so are rarely found on hosts (Dolling 1991).

The adult bed bug is a broadly flattened, ovoid, insect with greatly reduced wings (Schuh and Slater 1995). The reduced fore wings, or hemelytra, are broader than they are long, with a somewhat rectangular appearance. The sides of the pronotum are covered with short, stiff hairs (Furman and Catts 1970). Before feeding, bed bugs are usually brown in color and range from 6 to 9.5 mm in length. After feeding, the body is often swollen and red in color (USDA 1976).

Figure 2. Dorsal view of an adult bed bug, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus. Photograph by David Almquist, University of Florida.

Figure 3. Lateral view of an adult bed bug, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus. Photograph by Joseph Smith, University of Florida.

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bed bug - Cimex lectularius Linnaeus - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ...

Florida Bed Bugs

Florida Bed Bugs Infestation Six-legged parasitic insects are rapidly taking over Florida. Florida bed bugs are found in the mattress of ones bed. They feed on live hosts, meaning human beings, while they sleep. How can one stop this mass infestation of Florida bed bugs?

Appearance of Florida Bed Bugs Florida bed bugs are a light to dark reddish brown with flattened oval torsos. Before a feast the adult bed bug ranges from 1/4 to 5/8 inches in length. After engorging itself the hungry Florida bed bug will nearly double in size. Its swollen body, no longer flattened and oval is elongated and blood-filled having a dull red appearance.

The good news about Florida Bed bugs is that they do not attach themselves to their prey, like ticks do, but rather just before dawn they jump on their warm-blooded host and pierce the skin with an elongated beak containing two tubes: one containing an anesthetic that prevents clotting while causing numbness, and the other is the extraction tube for the breakfast of the Florida bed bugs.

Florida Bed Bug Eating

Florida Bed Bugs are Small

Florida Bed Bug BItes

Prevention of Florida Bed Bugs Since Florida bed bugs like to play hide and seek they are very difficult to conquer. Short of vacating everything in the building and mass chemical fumigation with illegal pesticides, Florida bed bugs take a little time to fully eradicate. It is fortunate that most of Florida has not been invaded by the Tropical bed bug but only by the Common one. Miami has been overwhelmed with both species and Miami bed bugs are leading in the battle on the east coast.

Actions to Take to Prevent Florida Bed Bugs

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Florida Bed Bugs - Are You Bugged By Florida Bed Bugs? Get ...

Although bed bugs have not been shown to transmit disease, is blood loss something we should be worried about? A University of Florida study released in the Journal of Medical Entomology explores this further. BedBug Central's Technical Director Jeffrey White weights in with his thoughts as well.

Lawrenceville, NJ (PRWEB) October 15, 2012

Even though many have stated bed bugs are not a health risk because they cant transmit disease, this study raises questions as to whether or not those statements are accurate. In situations where a high level of bed bug infestation goes untreated, there is a greater risk for anemia. This study helps to reiterate the importance of identifying infestations and taking measures to reduce the impact bed bugs can have on humans.

These findings, combined with the recent research that bed bugs can have a measurable psychological impact on humans, may cause certain people to think twice about labeling bed bugs as a non-health risk.

One of the important things about our study was that we were able to prove that bed bug populations have a greater potential to grow than we originally thought, said Dr. Roberto M. Pereira, Associate Research Scientist at the University of Florida. Because we allowed them to feed on a daily basis, our research showed that bed bugs consumed about three times as much blood as were used to seeing. With this boost in feeding and consumption the bed bugs ended up producing three times as many eggs, therefore population growth was a lot faster than expected. This study proved to us that the potential of blood loss in humans is actually real and can get to harmful enough levels within 15 20 weeks.

Technical Director of Bed Bug Central Jeffrey White weighs in with his thoughts. It has long been thought that if you have enough bed bugs present they may be able to take enough blood to cause a health risk. This study gives us a time frame to keep any eye on in regards to when an infestation may be at a risky level. The next step would be to conduct a follow up experiment in an actual infestation to see if this model actually correlates with what happens in the field.

Seeing that it appears bed bugs are back and here to stay knowledge is the best weapon in staying protected from infestations.

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About BedBug Central

BedBug Central serves as the nations most authoritative information resource and website available to the public for information concerning bed bugs and bed bug related issues concerning health, prevention, and treatment methods.

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University of Florida Study Examines Potentially Harmful Effects a Bed Bug Infestation Can Have on Humans

St. Petersburg, Florida - Lloyd Crossman thought he'd live his golden years in paradise. Instead he says his living situation at the MLF Towers in downtown St. Petersburg have become a nightmare.

"They get in the corners near the creases and this is where I found mine," says Crossman showing us his bed mattress.

Late last week, tiny bites appeared all over Lloyd's legs and feet. Then he heard from the neighbors.

"They said Ahhh, you've got bed beg bites ... look at mine! There were 10, 12 people ... they were all bitten up."

Crossman says some other residentsat the MLF Towersare even worse off, confined to wheelchairs and unable to scratch their backs covered in bites.

"It's just human compassion. You just don't allow that to happen," said Crossman.

While some have been told to get rid of their bedding and clothing, for many living on fixed incomes, that is not an option.

"There's no empathy here," says Crossman. "MLF, they say we've been trying to educate people on what bed bugs look like ... That's not the point! The point is a comprehensive plan to eliminate them."

We were unable to reach anyone at MLF's corporate office, and while an exterminator has been out to treat the carpets and bedding, Crossman worries he'll have to find a new paradise to retire.

"I never wanted to leave this place, but I'm not going to live my last few years living in fear of being bitten alive by those bed bugs."

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Senior living residents complain of bed bug infestation

St. Petersburg, Florida - Lloyd Crossman thought he'd live his golden years in paradise. Instead he says his living situation at the MLF Towers in downtown St. Petersburg have become a nightmare.

"They get in the corners near the creases and this is where I found mine," says Crossman showing us his bed mattress.

Late last week, tiny bites appeared all over Lloyd's legs and feet. Then he heard from the neighbors.

"They said Ahhh, you've got bed beg bites ... look at mine! There were 10, 12 people ... they were all bitten up."

Crossman says some other residentsat the MLF Towersare even worse off, confined to wheelchairs and unable to scratch their backs covered in bites.

"It's just human compassion. You just don't allow that to happen," said Crossman.

While some have been told to get rid of their bedding and clothing, for many living on fixed incomes, that is not an option.

"There's no empathy here," says Crossman. "MLF, they say we've been trying to educate people on what bed bugs look like ... That's not the point! The point is a comprehensive plan to eliminate them."

We were unable to reach anyone at MLF's corporate office, and while an exterminator has been out to treat the carpets and bedding, Crossman worries he'll have to find a new paradise to retire.

"I never wanted to leave this place, but I'm not going to live my last few years living in fear of being bitten alive by those bed bugs."

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Senior residents complain of bed bug infestation