Bedbugs
Bed bugs are pests of domestic animals, bats, wild
birds, and man. Climex lectularius is the only species in
the north temperate regions that attacks man. Bed bugs
are most commonly found in old hotels and boarding
houses, but you can also find them in homes, apartments,
restaurants, theaters, buses and offices. They are
nocturnal insects, feeding at night and hiding in dark
places during the day. Bed bugs feed only on blood,
principally that of man. The period required to obtain a
meal is anywhere from 3 to 15 minutes. Bed bugs are oval,
flattened, wingless, and red-brown in color. Those full
of blood are red and slightly elongated. The adult is 1/4
to 3/8 inches long.
Bed bug infested rooms have a very characteristic
odor. It has been described as a musty odor, a sweet
odor, and even compared to the smell of fresh red
raspberries. Other signs of infestation include black
spots that have been left on surfaces where the insects
have been, and blood stains on sheets and mattresses. The
latter is a result of the bleeding that sometimes occurs
after the bed bug is finished feeding. Swellings may
result from bed bug bites; they are small, hard and white
(not red, as with flea bites).
A female bed bug can produce up to 200 eggs during
its lifetime. It lays about 3 or 4 eggs per day,
cementing them in cracks and crevices nearby. The eggs
are white and are about the size of a pinhead. The nymphs
take in blood before they molt and reach maturity. This
whole process takes place in 5 to 8 weeks. In cases where
conditions are not ideal, maturity may be reached in 6 to
8 weeks. The adults live for 6 months or more; some
living for 1 and 1/2 years. There are several generations
per year, and all stages of growth are usually present
within a single room.
Control.
There is a strong correlation between bedbugs found in
the living area of a household and the presence of bats
in the attic. Quite often a population of bedbugs feeding
on bats in the attic migrate to the living area. If you
have confirmed the identification of bedbugs in your
household, check your attic for bats. If bats are
eliminated, the source of your infestation will be
eliminated.
Bedbugs in your living quarters are difficult to
eradicate. We advise that you consult with a professional
pest control company.
For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.