Bedbugs have reemerged as a problem in the United States after being largely eradicated in the 1930s. They have developed resistance to pesticides and spread through travel and transient populations. Bedbugs live in human dwellings and feed exclusively on human blood. They are small, brown, oval insects that are difficult to see and can hide in many small spaces around homes. Proper identification, treatment by licensed professionals using approved pesticides, thorough cleaning, and preventative measures are needed to address bedbug infestations.
2. Bedbugs Are Back!
Eradicated in the U.S. in the 30s 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
Evolved with man & adapted to human
habitations
Bedbugs are mentioned in ancient Egyptian &
Greek literature
Introduced to North America by colonists from
Europe
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 bedbugs are brown when unfed
reddish brown after feeding
Young nymphs are light brown when unfed
red after feeding
Eggs are off white
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
Bite is 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
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, but not 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 dont 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
Peeling wallpaper
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
27. Bedbug Treatment
Inform landlord 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 dont overdo it
The label is the law
29. Treatment Methods
No insecticides 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
Wash bedding & 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
Buy good quality mattress bags
Check bed every day
Use cups under bed legs
Heat treatment
Cold treatment
Search & destroy
Must be aggressive
32. Professional Exterminators
Should treat every two weeks
Once a month not sufficient
Usually treat 2 to 3 times
Will not treat if theres too much clutter
Cost of treatment between landlord & tenant
33. Bedbug Prevention
Be careful 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
Dont unpack suitcases
Place suitcases on rack
After returning, check suitcases, clothing, &
other items before bringing inside
35. Tips for Home Care Visitors
Dont sit on upholstered furniture
Dont place bags on floor
Dont 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
Recommend maintenance 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
Regulatory authority is CCGHD
Sanitarian investigates written complaints
Will issue orders if appropriate
Cannot provide material assistance or funds
Can provide information & training