The document discusses the epidemiology, prevention, and control of bed bugs. Some key points include: - Bed bugs are found worldwide and are spreading rapidly in many developed countries and regions like the US. Urban areas tend to see higher incidence than rural areas. - In the US, the Northeast region sees the most widespread infestations, with New York and Washington DC ranking highest. Major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston also see many cases. - Bed bugs are easily transported through luggage, clothing, furniture, and other personal items both while traveling and within homes and public spaces. Prevention focuses on inspecting items and limiting belongings to avoid introducing bed bugs. Control involves thorough inspection and vacuuming

1. Epidemiology of bed bugs,
prevention, and control
Sa’sha Moody Jasmine Scott Johnleekia Little Jordan Fordham
Georgia Southern University

2. Bed Bugs Are A Problem Worldwide!
● Cause property loss, expense loss, and are
an inconvenience
● Found in North and South America,
Africa, Asia, and Europe
● No specific demographic area or climate
conditions
o Most like humid areas
● Traditionally a problem in developing
countries
o Spreading rapidly in parts of the
United States, Canada, The United
Kingdom, other parts of Europe,
Brazil, and Australia.

3. Bed Bugs in the United States
● Found in all 50 states
● The incidence of bed bugs is 3x
higher in urban areas than in rural
areas.
o Larger population size
o More people living in
apartments
o Increased mobility which
encourages the rapid spread of
bed bugs

4. Cases of Bed Bugs

5. Infestations
● In the U.S.
o the Northeast region
 New York and Washington, DC ranked first showing the
widespread bed bug infestations.
Cities
New York City
Philadelphia
Detroit
Cincinnati
Chicago
Denver
○ Columbus
○ Dayton
○ Los Angeles
○ Boston

6. How are they transported?
● Travel
o Hotels
o Luggage
● Storage areas
● Places where people rest or are located often

7. Conclusion
Top Bed Bug Facts and Statistics: Feating the Top 13 Places to find Bed Bugs outside of your Bedroom! (2013, November 13). Retrieved November 4, 2015.

8. • Indianapolis movie theater treated for bedbugs
– April 7, 2015
– With cushy, upholstered seats and plenty of human hosts, the movie
theater is prime real estate for bedbugs looking for a meal.
– Limit the personal belongings you bring with you to avoid bringing
home your own critter horror show.
Bed bugs and movie theaters?

9. How are they transported?
● Bedding
o Piping of mattresses, Box Spring, Cracks on bed frame or headboards
● Seams of chairs and couches, Cushions, Folds of curtains
● Drawers
● Electrical Receptacles and Appliances
● Under loose wallpaper and wall hangings
● Can squeeze into really small spots

10. New or old problem?
• Bed bugs have been biting people since the
beginning of written history
– Archaeologist discovered a 3,500 year old
fossilized bed bugs
– Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians used them to
cure ailments
• 1950’s
– disappeared due to widespread use of DDT
• Major resurgence
– infestations are hard to treat
• 90% of common bed bugs now are
resistant to common pesticides

11. What has caused the Resurgence Seen Today?
● Increased Travel Worldwide
● A Change in Pest Elimination Practices
● Lack of Community Awareness
● Seasonal workers
● Use of second-hand furniture

12. Prevention
• Provide bed bug education
• Protect luggage while traveling
– Keep suitcases tightly closed while not in use
– Wash clothes immediately after traveling
• Screen items before bringing them into the home
– Second hand or previously used items should be checked for bed bugs
• furniture can be fumigated
• Deprive bed bugs of hiding places
– Declutter where you sleep
– Mattress and box spring covers can block the movement of bed bugs

13. Control
• Physical Methods
– Find and remove bed bugs using:
• a vacuum cleaner
• clear tape
• a lint roller
– Place clothing or bedding in the dryer on
high heat (113 F) for 30 minutes
– Discard infested items
• Chemical Methods
– Use a pesticide intended for bed bugs