Bed Bug

Bedbugs are true bugs belonging to the insect order, Heteroptera. The common bedbug, Cimex lectularius is principally a parasite of man although they can be found on bats, birds and small mammals. Bedbugs are not usually associated with the spread of diseases but can be annoying because of the severe itching caused by their bites. Bedbugs typically feed at night.

Adult bedbugs are approximately 6mm long, brown in colour and with an oval, flattened abdomen. They do not have wings. After a blood meal they are dark red in colour approximately 10mm in length and with round, distended abdomens.

Life-Cycle

At mating the male punctures the female body wall and injects sperm into her abdominal space. After mating each female lays up to 200 white, asymmetrical eggs which are deposited in the harborage. The nymphs that hatch are miniature versions of the adults and there is no larval stage. The nymphs moult several times over a period of 6-18 months before becoming adults. The optimal temperature for the development of C. lectularius appears to be between 15 - 20°C. At lower temperatures usually only adults will be present. Temperature and the availability of blood meals determine the length of life cycle but under normal conditions at least three generations are possible each year.

Behaviour

Both nymph and adult bedbugs generally feed at night and hide in crevices during the day. Common hiding places include seams in mattresses and box springs, cracks in bed frames and between floorboards, under loose wallpaper, behind picture frames and inside furniture and upholstery. Excrement or blood spots are often found on bed sheets or where the bedbugs hide. Cast skins are also often found especially where infestations are heavy. Heavy infestations can produce a characteristic odour. Bedbugs react negatively to light and they avoid wet surfaces.

To Prevent bedbug infestations

• Inspect all used furniture, especially beds and travel luggage before bringing them into the house.
• Eliminate potential harbourages.

To Eliminate an existing infestation

• The treatment of existing infestations is notoriously difficult and is best carried out by a qualified pest control operator.

The programme should include the following:

• A thorough inspection of the infested property.
• Confirmation of the presence of bedbugs.
• The sealing of cracks and crevices in the walls and floors.
• The securing of loose wallpaper and elimination of other areas of insect harborage.
• Treatment or removal of infested furniture.
• Use a space spray to penetrate an infested area.
• Treat mattresses and soft furnishing with an approved product.
• Apply a residual insecticide to cracks and crevices.
• The implementation of regular laundering of bedding and the frequent vacuuming of carpets. The used vacuum cleaner bag should be disposed of in a sealed plastic bag when finished.