|
Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
Webmail »
|
Bed Bugs -
Cimex lectularius (Cimicidae)
What Are They?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects. They feed only on the blood of warm-blooded mammals, and can infest nests of all kinds (including human 'nests' - homes, apartments, or hotel rooms). They can survive anywhere in the world, but have recently resurged in North America, Europe, and Australia.
What Is The Risk?
Bed Bugs do not transmit any diseases, but can become quite a nuisance and financial drain. People dealing with bed bug infestations often have disrupted sleep cycles because of the nightime feeding habits of the insects, and the bites are itchy and can become painful if scratched too much. Because bed bugs can go so long without feeding, can hide so easliy in cracks and crevices, and have developed resistance to many of the most widely available pesticides, routine pest control methods are not usually effective - this usually translates to a very drawn out, expensive treatment approach.
What Do They Look Like?
When they first hatch they are about the size of a poppy seed, and over time they grow to to be about 1/4" in length. They range in color, from nearly white (after molting), to light tan, burnt orange, and deep brown. They are oval in shape, flattened before feeding and very plump afterwards.
How Do They Get Into My Home or Apartment?
They can tag along in luggage, furniture, clothing, etc., and they can move into adjoining apartments/homes through wall voids and wire/pipe holes. Unlike lice, they do not travel or remain on the host (person, bird, bat, etc.) throughout their life cycle.
How Can I Tell If I Have Bed Bugs In My Home?
Look for empty skin casings on or around your bed, anddark brownish-red stains (tiny drops) on your bedding. Inspect your mattress and bedding (including the seams, folds, creases, pleats), and check bed frame, wall molding, adjacent dressers (especially corners and seams), curtains, and any window and picture frames that are near the bed (again focusing on corners/seams) for the insects or casings. Check spaces within wicker furniture, and areas where wallpaper may be loose or peeling. In areas where the infestation is very heavy, there may also be a coriander-like odor present. You may also attempt to trap a sample insect, which you can bring to your county extension for identification or compare against photos available on the internet.
I Found Bed Bugs In My Home - What Now?!?!
If you have confirmed that you have a problem with bed bugs, you need to have a well-planned approach to dealing with it, or the problem could go on and on for a long time. Bed bugs can 'hunker down' for a long time, and easily pick up and move to avoid pesticide sprays or aerosols. They are difficult to trap, and even if the pesticide reaches them, many are becoming resistant to the chemicals available for home use. Eliminating bed bugs usually requires a combination of the following:
1. Room modifications:
- remove clutter
- dismantle bed frames for cleaning (see below)
- remove dresser drawers for cleaning (see below)
- once cleaned, move the bed away from the walls and tuck in sheets and blankets so they don't touch the floor
- caulk and seal all holes where pipes and wires penetrate walls and floor
- permanently encase mattresses and box springs in special, sealed mattress bags
2. Cleaning the entire residence
- scrub infested surfaces with a stiff brush to dislodge the eggs
- use a powerful vacuum to remove bed bugs from cracks and crevices
- clothing and other loose items can be laundered and dried on the highest heat cycles available
3. Pesticide or heat/cold treatment to the residence - If you do contact a pest control company, make sure they are knowledgable and experienced in dealing with bed bugs. Ask for references, and check them to make sure they have satisfied previous customers with their work. Eliminating bed bugs may require special skills and/or equipment.
Alternatives to chemical treatment are being more widely explored, including high-heat, extreme cold treatment (freezing), and dehumidification. While bed bugs can hide from or survive many chemical treatments, their anatomy makes them vulnerable to extreme temperatures and dryness. If you are concerned about chemical treatments, discuss these options with pest control operators.
This management plan may be helpful in deciding how to deal with bed bugs.
I Rent - What Can I Do?
Landlords and property owners have specific legal obligations to provide a safe and healthy living environemnt for their tenants, and tenants in turn are expected to fulfill certain obligations to ensure that the owner is able to do this (i.e. cooperating with the owner/landlord, keeping the property clean and tidy, etc.). Certain infestations, including bed bugs, may constitute an unacceptable condition.
Contact your property manager or landlord to discuss your respective obligations, and to agree on a plan to eliminate the bed bug problem. Generally, landlords are legally required to contract with a licensed pest control operator. Request a written copy of the integrated pest management (IPM) plan to be used, including methods and chemicals to be used (if any), and efforts that are expected by both the building manager and the tenant.
Contact us with questions or for more guidance on this issue: 888-310-0565
|
