Bedbugs

The common bedbug (Cimex lectularius), is a small brownish-red insect with a flat, oval-shaped body. Its size and structure allow it to access small spaces and cracks where it can seek harborage for reproduction and development. They are nocturnal, feeding primarily at night, and require a warm-blooded host in order to meet their dietary needs for growth. Humans are the preferred host; however, they will feed on birds or other mammals if need be.

Bedbugs are wingless; therefore, they must get from place to place through a mechanical means, such as on luggage, clothing, or simply crawling from place to place. Because these methods of transport are readily available, bedbugs have successfully spread across the country. The travel industry has been most affected, with hotels/motels, hostels, and airplanes serving as easy targets.
Bedbugs were a significant issue back in the 1950s; however, with the help of DDT and other pesticides their numbers dropped and they were believed to be a problem of the past. Resurgence in bedbug numbers has occurred across the nation and health professionals are once again faced with controlling their spread and minimizing associated problems.

Bites:

The first indication most people have that they might have bedbugs is bites. The bites alone cannot confirm the presence of bedbugs; however, it is a reason to look further. Bedbugs tend to feed on exposed skin areas such as the torso, legs, arms, or neck, which can often help differentiate their bites from other insects.

Reactions vary from person to person, just as they would with other insect bites. They can sometimes take two weeks to appear and can vary from very small and discreet to swollen and inflamed. The bites often occur in a linear pattern or patches as opposed to individual spots; however, this also is not a sure indication of bedbugs. The bites will likely itch and secondary infections can be introduced if the sites are itched open.

Spots/trails:

The act of feeding takes only about five minutes and the bedbug will leave the host to digest. The fecal matter (waste) of the bedbug will leave dark reddish-brown spots on the surfaces they move across or in areas where they seek harborage. They will also cast their skins when progressing to the next nymphal stage (molting). This waste will often leave a sweet, musky smell in areas with high populations.

Places to look:

1. Mattress, seams, and box springs (underneath and in hidden corners and spaces).
2. Along baseboards in the room, especially the wall(s) closest to the bed.
3. Inspect all luggage, bags, laundry, and purses.
4. All other furniture around the home, underneath, in seams and crevices.
5. Cracks in walls, lifted wallpaper, under faceplates and pictures.
6. Along pipes or wiring within the walls.

There are other insects and pests that can leave similar markings (bites and waste) behind, such as mosquitoes, lice, fleas, spiders, scabies, ticks, and even cockroaches. Make sure you know what you are dealing with before applying chemical treatments as well as to save time and money in effectively eliminating the pest you have.

Bedbugs currently are not considered vectors of disease. They have been extensively studied in laboratory environments yet have not been capable of passing disease from one host to another. This is good news from a health perspective; however, there are other issues that come with bedbug infestations that are important to recognize.

First and foremost, the presence of bedbugs does not indicate a filthy or unsanitary environment—remember, they can hitch a ride on anything and therefore appear in places one may not expect. The most common problems associated with bedbug infestations are feelings of anxiety/stress, possible secondary infections from itching, sleeplessness, and the social stigmas that some feel are attached to their presence.

Once bedbug populations are identified, chemical controls can often be more harmful to people than the bedbugs themselves if they are not properly applied. Therefore, seeking out professional assistance and following product labels is incredibly important.

Bedbugs will remain close to their food source; however, they can disperse over 100 feet if competition or resource limitations apply. When seeking out populations, begin within 5–10 feet of the bed or couch, if sleeping activity occurs there, and search outwardly. You may need to force them out of areas they are hiding in by using a thin item like a credit card to slide between small cracks and crevices.