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Pest Management
Office 491 College Avenue Orono, ME 04473-1295 |
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| Description & Biology Adult bed bugs are brown, flat and about a 1/4 inch long, with a soft, rounded look. After a blood meal they are dark red, rounded (distended), and about 3/8 inch long. These pests usually come out at night or in darkened areas. The pest’s small white eggs hatch into almost transparent nymphs that start feeding at the first opportunity and molt five times before becoming adults. Usually, all stages of development are present in an infestation. A temperature of 70°F is ideal for bed bugs; only adults are present at 50°F or lower. Bed bugs have been known to live as long as 18 months. At least three generations per year are possible. Bed bugs do not generally travel too far from their host. But when hiding places and hosts are few, they may be found almost anywhere-- in the seams of mattresses, in bed springs, in cracks of floorboards, behind peeled wallpaper, in picture frames, in couches, stuffed chairs, clothing and even the seams of curtains; wherever a dark crack or crevice might be. Excrement spots are often found where they rest. Cast skins will also be found, especially where infestations are heavy. Bed bugs usually feed at night, but very hungry bed bugs are less likely to wait for darkness. Bed bugs inject a fluid into their host to help them get their blood meal. This fluid makes some people sensitive to bites, causing irritation, itching and inflammation. Other people can live with bed bugs and not be aware of their presence. In spite of their feeding habits, bed bugs are not known to carry diseases. There seems to be no consistent way to determine the difference between bed bugs and flea bites. Pets, birds, rats or mice may help support bed bug populations. These pests are also common in poultry houses and occasionally infest areas where animals are kept. Bed bugs closely resemble bat and swallow bugs which exhibit similar behavior. Management Control of bed bugs can be difficult, especially in homes that have many cracks and crevices, loose wallpaper, etc. Examine used bedding and beds before use. Usually three actions need to be considered for quick relief and control. A good vacuum cleaning job may remove particles from cracks and crevices to encourage greater insecticide penetration. Discard vacuum cleaner bag in a sealed plastic bag when finished. 2. Use a space spray to penetrate an infested area. Close all outside doors, windows, etc., as tightly as possible. Inside, open or spread everything to allow fumes to penetrate. For example: open all inside doors, take mattresses off box springs, open dresser drawers and spread clothes or contents, remove or space items in clothes closets, take scatter rugs off the floor or carpeting, and remove cushions from couches or chairs. Be sure to remove pets and fish. After this has been done, one-time-release aerosol insecticide bombs can be used for fumigants. Follow the instructions on the cans exactly, make sure the cubic feet requirements are met. People must stay out of the area for at least four hours, or as the label directs.3. After space spraying, use a light application of an approved aerosol spray on mattresses, stuffed chairs, clothes, etc., to kill surviving bed bugs. Do not sleep directly on treated mattresses. Make sure the mattress has been dried, aired out and a sheet put on it before use. 4. Apply residual insecticides to cracks and crevices. Surface treatments should be kept to a minimum if they are used at all; bed bugs are most likely to get lethal doses in cracks and crevices. Repeat the applications if you see signs of bugs again after two weeks. If your efforts to control bed bugs fail, contact a pest control operator (exterminator.)
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When Using
Pesticides James F. Dill, Pest Management Specialist Clay A. Kirby, Insect Diagnostician 2004 Where trade names are used, no
discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Cooperative |
PEST MANAGEMENT OFFICE | UMCE HOMEPAGE | UMAINE
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Bed Bugs