Bed bugs

 Parasitology | Marian Kinsel | Fort Lewis College

Fig. 1 Bed bug actual size representation. Image courtesy of CDC; Blaine Mathison

What are Bed bugs?

Bed bugs are an infestation caused generally by two parasites, Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus who live their entire life with humans. Bed bugs are a red-brown color, oval-shaped insect that can range in size from 1 millimeter to 7 millimeters in size. Have short antennae, black eyes and structures on their back that resemble wings but are not. Adolescent bed bugs have the same features as an adult beg bug but are smaller and resemble more of a yellow body color. These small insects feed on the blood of their human or animal host, which result in irritation. Bed bugs are considered a public health pest by the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and United States Department of Agriculture. Currently bed bug infestations and bites are not known to cause or spread disease. Although, infestations should not be taken lightly and should be controlled.

Bed bugs bite their human or animal host and usually feed on them in during their sleep. Individual bed bugs feed on their host for about ten minutes. Larger infestations tend to have a line pattern of bites along an edge of clothing or blanket. Bites are often not felt immediately but can later react to the protein excreted through their saliva. Following the bite, swelling and irritation arise and the bite will be visible. It is difficult to differentiate bed big bites from other bites that could be from mosquitos and other insects. Depending on the person, increased amounts of bed bug bites may be show low or sever reactions. Bed bug infestations need to be found to fully classify the bite as a bed bug bite.

Fig. 2 Life cycle of C. lectularius, a casual agent of bed bugs. Image courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Where are they found?

Bed bugs are present in North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Bed bugs are usually thought to be found in poor areas but are present in all economic classes. Smaller infestations are easier to dispose of than larger infestations, but smaller infestations are harder to locate than larger ones. They are found in the folds of mattresses and sheets and excrete and musty odor. Bed bugs can be thought of to be something else, such as carpet beetles or cockroaches. Carpet beetles are darker than bed bugs, have a smaller set of antennae, and their body shape is rounder. Cockroaches are also a red-brown color and oval-shaped but have long antennae and longer legs than a bed bug. Bed bug infestations are commonly resulted from travel as these insects can be found in motels and hotels, regardless of cleanliness and the price paid for the room/suite. They can be unknowingly be carried on travel items such as luggage, furniture and clothes. Bed bugs are most common in apartment buildings, hotels, dormitories, and areas with increased amounts of different human interaction.

Bed bug control

Since bed bug bites do not lead serious diseases, the best way to treat the infected area is to avoid contact with the area, apply antiseptic lotions and in serious cases; consume an antihistamine. To rid infestations, it is safest to contact a professional. There are currently 300 pesticides that are used for bed bug control, including pyrethrins, pyrethroids, desiccants, biochemicals, pyrroles, neonicotinoids, and insect growth regulators. These pesticides are highly recommended, and some are only recommended to be used by professionals. The easiest way to prevent bed bug infestation is to regularly check new purchases, sleeping areas and to practice general hygiene tactics.

Sources:

1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2.Global Health, Division of Parasitic Diseases

3.United States Environmental Protection Agency

4.Colorado State University Extension

5.New York City Health Department