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Bedbugs the hidden enemy
- 1. The Hidden Enemy ByEric C. Ratcliff
- 2. 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
- 3. Historical Perspective • Evolvedwith man & adapted to human habitations • Bedbugs are mentioned in ancient Egyptian & Greek literature • Introduced to North America by colonists from Europe
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- 9. 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
- 10. Color • Adult bedbugsare brown when unfed – reddish brown after feeding • Young nymphs are light brown when unfed – red after feeding • Eggs are off white
- 11. Bedbug Nymphs Before FeedingAfter Feeding
- 12. 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
- 14. 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
- 15. Bedbug Bite • Biteis 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
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- 17. Nymph Feeding OnFinger
- 18. 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
- 19. Bedbugs • Crawl, butnot 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
- 20. 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
- 21. Hiding Places • Mattress& box springs, especially seams • Couches, easy chairs, & other furniture • Behind baseboards & under carpet • Electric outlets & switch plates • Drapes, wallpaper, & picture frames
- 22. Hiding Places • Peelingwallpaper • Light fixtures • Clothing • Toys • Nicknacks • Anything else you can think of
- 23. Signs of Infestation •Live & dead bedbugs • Shed skins & egg shells • Black fecal spots • Blood stains from crushed bugs Blood Smears
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- 27. Bedbug Treatment • Informlandlord 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
- 28. 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
- 29. Treatment Methods • Noinsecticides 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
- 30. Treatment Methods • Washbedding & 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
- 31. Treatment Methods • Buygood quality mattress bags • Check bed every day • Use cups under bed legs • Heat treatment • Cold treatment • Search & destroy • Must be aggressive
- 32. Professional Exterminators • Shouldtreat 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
- 33. Bedbug Prevention • Becareful who you visit & who visits you • Check used furniture before bringing it home • Check book bags & purses • Avoid sleepovers • Seal cracks & holes
- 34. 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
- 35. Tips for HomeCare 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
- 36. 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
- 37. Licensed Applicators • Recommendmaintenance 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
- 38. Regulatory Agency • Regulatoryauthority is CCGHD • Sanitarian investigates written complaints • Will issue orders if appropriate • Cannot provide material assistance or funds • Can provide information & training
- 39. Resource List • www.ohioline.osu.edu •www.clermonthealthdistrict.org • www.odh.ohio.gov • www.centralohiobedbugs.org
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