Insect Journal
January, 2003
spidey Answer to this month's Insect Quiz

  1. What are these insects?
    These insects are bed bugs. The mature bed bug is a flattened, wingless insect approximately ¼ to 3/8 inch long. Newly emerged nymphs are white to straw-color. Both young and mature bed bugs turn purplish-red after a blood meal. Bed bugs are ectoparasites, primarily of humans, but they will also attack poultry, other mammals, and birds. Bed bugs are found throughout the US and world.

  2. Where did they come from?
    Bed bugs are transferred from an infested site to an uninfested site on furniture, baggage, boxes, in suitcases, packed clothing, and bedding. Humans are largely responsible for introducing these pests into new habitats. These days it is common to pick up bed bugs from hotels and other buildings with a high turnover in occupants.

  3. Do these insects transmit disease? Why doesn't my spouse get swelling bites?
    Researchers have concluded that no positive evidence exists to incriminate bed bugs as a vector of human disease. Therefore, they are usually considered by medical authorities to be primarily a nuisance. Bed bug bites generally itch due to an allergic reaction to the bug's saliva. Unlike fleabites, the site of the bed bug bite does not turn red. The effect of the bite may range from a tingling sensation of short duration to the production of hive-like swellings, which last several hours. Some individuals experience next to no allergic reaction to the bug's saliva. Your spouse may be getting bitten, but is showing little to no reaction.

  4. How can I get rid of these insects?
    Focus on locating the source of infestation. Bed bugs are commonly found in bedrooms or other sleeping areas because they are most active at night. During the day, they hide in tight cracks or crevices, for example behind baseboards, pictures, light switch plates, clocks, or loose wallpaper. Hiding places are usually evident by black or brown spots (dried excrement) that stain surfaces on which they rest. Bedding from infested rooms should be washed in hot water. Infested furniture can be set outside during cold weather (2 days at 0 F; 4-5 days at 20 F). Vacuum lint, dust, or other matter from the mattress, cover, and box spring to eliminate hiding places.

    Apply a residual insecticide, such as cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or permethrin to all cracks, crevices, and other areas where bugs may hide. Also treat springs, slats, frames, mattresses, furniture, walls, baseboards, and behind loose wallpaper with an insecticide. Remember to read insecticide labels before buying and applying so they are used properly. Bed bugs can be a challenging pest to eradicate for the homeowner because they are able to hide in so many tight places. Consider hiring a professional pest control operator if you are unable to control them yourself, or if you wish to hire a professional from the beginning.



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