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Bedbugs—What You Want to KnowHow to Prevent and Detect Bedbugs (Bed Bugs)An unexplained itch and unusual findings around the bed may indicate the presence of bedbugs. Here's what to look for and what to do.
They’ve been our bedfellows for thousands of years. These tiny creatures rarely cause major diseases, but can cause major discomfort. Bedbugs are increasingly a problem, even in well-kept households. What They AreThey’re tiny insects—the adults are about one fourth inch (0.6 cm) long, with brownish flat bodies. They’re often mistaken for ticks or roaches. They don’t fly, but can scoot rapidly across furniture and floors. Females lay tiny eggs in hidden spots. The eggs may look like dust. Maturing bedbugs (or bed bugs) shed their skins periodically, so dead skins may add to the detritus of fecal droppings that can give away their presence. They reproduce about three times a year, and love warm homes, between 70 and 80o F (21 – 26o C). They also like their home to be not too dry. They can live for months without feeding. There are different kinds of bedbugs. Some prefer to feast on dogs, birds or mice, but here we are describing C. lectularius. They prefer humans, although when times are tough, they will feed on other hosts. What They DoThey bite humans in beds, usually in the early morning hours. First, they stick a probe into the skin and inject an anesthetic (how thoughtful!). Then they stick their sharp beak into the skin and withdraw blood, after which they saunter off to rest, digest and enjoy their meal. What Happens to the HostThe bitten human may have a small papule (pimple) with little or no irritation. Or, if the human has some allergic reaction, there may be swelling and intense itching. Or, anything in between. Often the bites are attributed to mosquitoes or fleas. How to Detect BedbugsLook for bedbugs in hidden places in or around the bed. They like to hide in crevices and cracks in furniture, and mattress seams. Use a very bright light. Look for bedbug detritus: the abandoned skins, their feces (smaller than mouse droppings). Look for tiny blood spots on sheets, marking previous bedbug dinners. How to Treat Bedbug InfestationCall a licensed pest control service. Bedbug infestation usually requires professionals to eliminate. In the meantime, remove all possible bedding and clothing from the bedroom, and take them in plastic bags to where you can wash them in hot water and dry at "hot." Vacuum all potential hiding places using the narrow high vacuum nozzle, and seal and discard the sweeper bag. How to Prevent Bedbug InfestationYou unknowingly bring bedbugs into your home after travel, mostly. (Less often, they ride in on antiques or used clothing.) Look for bedbug infestation in hotel rooms where you stay—it happens even in upscale locations. If you find it, ask for another room on the other side of the hotel. Keep your suitcase off the floor if it’s open. After travel, unpack your suitcase in the garage or other place where hitchhiking bedbugs will not find refuge. Remove clothing immediately, put in plastic bags, wash and dry in high temperatures. You can encase your mattress and box springs in plastic covers, as is often done for asthma sufferers. This will kill trapped bedbugs within and prevent others from taking up homes there. Foolproof Way to Avoid BedbugsLive in a bubble. But you don’t want to do that. Use common sense, and if bedbugs happen, call a pest control service. Reference: Michael Potter, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture: Bed Bugs
The copyright of the article Bedbugs—What You Want to Know in Patient Health Education is owned by James Cooper. Permission to republish Bedbugs—What You Want to Know in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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