Long considered eradicated in most metropolitan areas, bed bugs are making a comeback. They are being found in cities across the country, everywhere from homeless shelters to five-star hotels. Contrary to popular belief, the presence of bed bugs does not indicate a lack of cleanliness. In the past, insecticides such as DDT helped to keep the bed bug population at bay with residues that continued working after the product was sprayed. Now, with the increase in use of bait traps instead of broad spectrum sprays, specific pests such as ants and cockroaches are being targeted, and bed bugs are no longer being eliminated. Bed bugs have also developed resistance to many of the pesticides, particularly pyrethroids. In addition, people now travel more than ever before, particularly to and from destinations where bed bugs have remained prevalent. Places that see a great deal of turnover such as hotels and motels give bed bugs the opportunity to continue their travel to new locations as hitchhikers on luggage or clothing.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs have an oval body and a short, broad head. The body as a whole is broad and flat. Unfed adults are around ¼ inch (6 mm) long, brown and wingless. After feeding, they swell slightly in size and darken to a blood-red color. The nymphs are shaped like the adults, but are yellow-white in color. Bed bugs are wingless and cannot fly or jump, but are able to enter into extremely small locations in the home because of their flattened bodies. Bed bugs can live for several weeks to several months without feeding, depending on the temperature. Bed bugs prefer to feed on human blood, but will also bite mammals and birds.
Will bed bug bites make me sick?
While bed bugs are not known transmit any pathogens or diseases, their bites usually result in swollen red, itchy welts. Though bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, bed bugs can severely reduce quality of life by causing discomfort, sleeplessness, anxiety, and embarrassment. Many people are not aware that they have been bitten, but some people may be more sensitive to the bite and may have a localized reaction. As a bed bug is biting, it injects anesthetic saliva to numb the pain. It also contains anti-coagulant to keep the blood of its meal host flowing. People can be allergic to bed bug bites, which can cause swelling, itchy welts and in some cases infections. These infections can be serious, especially if they are from a resistant form of bacterial pathogen such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Small reddish or brownish spots on one’s linens are often the first sign of an infestation. These spots are the bed bug’s droppings. Bed Bugs often hide in mattresses but they can also survive in furniture, behind wall coverings and pictures/paintings. They will crawl and nest inside tiny crevices anywhere indoors, as long as there is a source of food (blood).
How do bed bugs infest my home?
Bed bugs are moved into and around a dwelling through infested furniture and bedding. They can also enter a home or hotel by being carried in on clothing or luggage. Bed bugs are often carried into a home on objects such as furniture and clothing. Bed bugs can also travel from apartment to apartment along pipes, electrical wiring and other openings. When bed bug infestations are small, the bed bugs tend to reside near the bed. As infestations grow larger, they tend to move beyond beds into other locations such as sofas and upholstered chairs. Bed bug females may lay their eggs away from a heavy infestation to provide greater chance for survival. If the infestation is heavy, a sweet smell may be noticed in the room.
References/Further Reading:
http://www.thermapure.com/bed-bug_FAQ.php
http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/consum/bed_bugs-e.html
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp
http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/whats_bugging_you/bed_bugs/bedbugs_faqs.asp
