Bed Bug Identification

KEY POINTS:

• Eggs are pearly white and & only 1mm in length
• First stage immature bed bugs are only 1mm in length
• First stage immatures are pale in color and are somewhat translucent
• Immature bugs go through five developmental stages becoming larger with each stage
• Adult bed bugs are approximately 1/4 inch in length and are reddish-brown in color

What do Bed Bugs look like? Adults are small, brownish insects, just under a 1/4 inch long and are relatively flat. They are nearly as wide as they are long, and oval in shape. Immature bed bugs (nymphs) resemble the adults, but are much smaller and lighter in color. Newly hatched nymphs are translucent and are no bigger than a pinhead (1 mm). After feeding on a blood meal the immature bed bugs may appear bright red in color. Bed bugs lack wings and therefore they do not fly, but they are capable of moving swiftly on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. The eggs are very small (approximately 1mm), whitish, and very difficult to see on most surfaces without magnification (individual eggs are about the size of a dust speck).

Bed Bug Biology and Behavior

KEY POINTS:

• Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed exclusively on blood
• Adult females can lay 1-5 eggs per day
• Eggs hatch approximately 7-10 days after being deposited by the female
• Development from egg hatch to adult takes approximately 1 -2 months but can take longer depending upon environmental conditions and food availability
• Individual bed bugs do not seek a blood meal everyday and may go several days to a week or more between blood meals.
• Bed bugs are believed to be mostly inactive between blood meals, hiding in their secretive resting places
• Bed bugs are not limited to the bed or the bedroom but instead will disperse throughout a dwelling
• Bed bugs are very resilient and easily survive for several months or more without a blood meal

Bed bugs belong to the family of insects known as Cimicidae. All members of this family of insects feed exclusively on blood which they require in order to develop and reproduce. There are a number of closely related species in this family that feed on birds, bats and other animals. However, the species most adapted to living with humans is the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, which is found world wide. The immature bugs go through five developmental stages before reaching maturity. A blood meal is required between each stage. As the immature bed bugs develop they continue to become larger and darker until reaching adulthood. Under favorable conditions (70-90F), bed bugs can complete development (from egg to adult) in one two months. Cool temperatures or limited access to a blood meal may extend the development time. Adults will typically live for just under a year. The adult females typically deposit up to 5 eggs per day depositing them in a wide variety of locations, both on and away from the bed. An adult female may lay up to 500 eggs during her lifetime.

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects and lead a very cryptic lifestyle. As a result, bed bugs are often present for weeks or even months before a single bug is ever seen by the occupants of an infested structure. They live in cracks and crevices associated with bed frames, head boards, mattresses and box springs. However they also will disperse away from the bed and can live between or beneath floorboards, carpeting, under decorative moldings, in or under furniture, behind picture frames, inside wall voids, etc. There is virtually no crack too small for this insect to occupy. It is from these secluded cracks and crevices that the bugs emerge during the nighttime hours to feed on their sleeping host. The bites are typically painless and go undetected.

Bed bugs differ from many other blood feeding pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, etc. in that both adult males and females, as well as all of the immature stages, feed on blood. Once they have fed they return back to their hidden resting places. In the absence of a host, bed bugs can continue to survive for many months without a blood meal. In fact it has been reported that in some cases bed bugs can survive a year or more without feeding.

Disease and Bite Symptoms

KEY POINTS:

• Bed bugs have not been demonstrated to be effective transmitters of disease
• Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites and some have delayed reactions to the bite
• Bed bug bite symptoms typically appear as red, itchy welts but can vary from one individual to the next
• Bite symptoms often appear in rows of several or more bites in a row
• A single bug can be responsible for numerous bite symptoms

Although over 28 disease pathogens have been found in bed bugs, transmission of these pathogens to humans has never been documented and is considered highly unlikely. For this reason, they are not considered a serious disease threat. Their medical significance is mainly limited to the itching and inflammation associated with their bite. Not everyone reacts to bed bites in the same fashion, some people have reactions that are delayed for several days or more while others do not react at all.

Reactions to bites can also vary significantly between individuals from a mild itchy welt to a more severe rash like symptom. The most common reactions appear as a raised reddened welt similar to a mosquito bite. Bites tend to be very itchy and often appear in rows of 3-4 welts or more. There are currently a couple of explanations for why bites often appear in rows. The first explanation is based on the sensitivity of bed bugs to motion. A single bug may withdraw its mouthparts while feeding in response to the slightest disturbance (i.e. person twitches during sleep). After removing their mouthparts, the bug will move a short distance and then begin feeding again, resulting in several bites in a row caused by a single bug.

The second explanation involves numerous bugs that are lined up one next to the other (typically along a fold in a bed sheet) all feeding at the same time, similar to cattle at a trough. The important point is that number of welts does not always correlate with the number of bugs that bit the individual. Thus just a few bugs can be responsible for many welts in a single evening.

It is also very important to realize that bed bugs cannot be diagnosed by the bite alone. While a medical professional can examine the bites, they can only conclude that the bite symptoms are consistent with those produced by bed bugs. This is not a confirmation however it does provide the grounds for suspecting that bed bugs may be present and that a professional should be called in to perform an inspection for the presence of bed bugs in the structure where the bites occurred.

Bite symptoms can be very variable among different individuals. It is not uncommon for bites to occur in multiples, often in a row or line.

Bed bugs and Sanitation

KEY POINTS:

• Bed bugs are not caused by poor sanitation or ones social status
• Bed bug infestations must be introduced by bringing in an item that has bugs or eggs associated with it.
• Poor sanitation, particularly clutter, can make it much more difficult to control or eliminate a bed bug infestation.

The thought that bed bugs are the result of poor sanitation and/or poverty is a big misconception. Bed bugs do not discriminate based on one's social status or the cleanliness of their home. The fact is that cleanliness has nothing to do with getting bed bugs. Bed bug infestations can occur in the most expensive hotels, multi-million dollar estates as well as homeless shelters and everything in between regardless of the existing sanitary conditions. In order for a bed bug infestation to begin they must be introduced by bringing bugs from an infested environment and introducing them to a previously un-infested one. Some examples include staying in a bed bug infested environment, having a guest visit that brings bugs with them, purchasing an item or accepting delivery of an item that has bugs or eggs on it. As a result, bed bug infestations can affect anyone, anywhere, and are occurring in hotels, apartments, single family homes, upscale commercial office buildings, school classrooms, laundromats, public transportation and the list goes on and on.
While sanitation may not have anything to do with the onset of an infestation, it can have a tremendous impact on the ability to control or eliminate an infestation. Crowded and cluttered living conditions are one of the more challenging obstacles to overcome in an eradication effort. Bed bugs hide and lay their eggs virtually everywhere. As a result clutter provides an unlimited number of areas where bed bugs can harbor and remain well-protected from control efforts.

Clutter can provide an unlimited number of hiding places for bugs to hide. Bugs and eggs amongst clutter cannot be readily treated with conventional pesticides creating a real obstacle to control.

Bed Bug Resurgence

KEY POINTS:

• No one knows for certain what caused the resurgence of bed bugs in the US. Contributing factors may include:
• Worldwide increase in bed bug activity
• More frequent introductions during international travel
• Changes in pest management practices & resistance to pesticides
• Lack of public awareness is perpetuating the continued dispersal of bed bugs

While no one can say for certain what caused the resurgence of bed bugs in the United States, there are a number of factors that have probably influenced the emergence of this difficult pest. Bed bugs have increased on a world-wide basis over the past decade. With increased international bed bug activity, it is likely that the frequency that these insects are encountered during travel has also increased and as a result they are being introduced into the US much more frequently than in the past. Most of the early introductions did in fact appear to be associated with travel as many of the infestations were associated with hotel guest rooms in the late 1990's.

Changes in pest management practices and the development of resistance to modern day pesticides may have been the catalyst that enabled bed bugs to survive and go on to develop infestations which may have not been able to establish in years past. In the past, hotel guest rooms were typically treated on a regular basis with residual pesticides. During the mid 1990's there was a dramatic shift in pest management practices. Routinely scheduled treatments of baseboards in hotels, motels and apartments were replaced with very targeted applications of baits for pests such as cockroaches. The implications of this are that when baseboards were being treated regularly, a few bed bugs that may have been introduced by the international traveler were likely to contact pesticide as they left the luggage and traveled to the bed. Today, with the absence of these pesticides, as these same bugs are introduced from abroad, they are able to travel freely and safely from the luggage to the bed and successfully begin an infestation. It is very likely that this factor has played a role in the bed bug's ability to become re-established in the United States.

One thing that is certain is that bed bugs are excellent hitch hikers and once they are introduced into an environment they are able to readily spread from infested locations to new locations that were previously un-infested. All one needs to do is to spend a night in a bed bug infested environment and there is chance that they will take at least one bug with them to their next destination. Now that bed bugs are well situated in the country they are not only being introduced from foreign countries but are disseminating at a rapid rate within our country from well established populations. Dispersal mechanisms within the country include the purchase of rental furniture, used/second hand furniture, reconditioned mattresses and infested delivery vehicles just to name a few. Because bed bugs have the ability to survive for many months without a blood meal they are able to hide in the cracks of furniture for long periods of time until someone comes along and purchases it for their home.

But perhaps the most significant factor that has enabled bed bugs to spread throughout the US at an exponential rate is the lack of public awareness. Many people simply don't believe or realize that bed bugs truly exist. As a result people do not think twice before picking up discarded furniture that is infested with bed bugs and bringing them into their home. Once the bugs are introduced into the new structure, their secretive and cryptic lifestyle renders them undetected for several months or more in many cases. Often it is not until the infestation becomes overpopulated that a live bug is actually seen. So very often the bites are occurring, but the individual has no idea what is causing them. Eventually many of the affected individuals will seek medical attention, but the connection between the bites and the bugs is not always made by the medical professional. In many cases bed bug bites are mistaken for scabies, chicken pox, dermatological reactions, etc. Medical professionals in major metropolitan areas are becoming more aware of this issue and there are fewer misdiagnoses. However the further away you get from areas where bed bugs are very prevalent, the more common misdiagnoses are. All of these factors enable bed bugs to increase in number for weeks or months before being detected. As a result the bed bug population is able to become well established and is enabled to hitch hike a ride with hotel guests, spread to adjoining rooms or apartments.

Avoiding Infestations

KEY POINTS:

• Know when you are most at risk to encounter bed bugs
• Encase mattresses and box springs
• Become familiar with what to look for (know the signs & symptoms of bed bugs)
• Travel intelligently
• Contact a professional to conduct an inspection if you suspect bed bugs

The more aware you are of bed bugs and what to look for the less likely you are to expose yourself to an infestation. It is important to remember that in order for a new infestation to become established, bed bugs must first be introduced into the previously un-infested environment. As a result, your risk of encountering and potentially introducing bed bugs increases when you travel, when children return from camps, boarding schools or college, when you have overnight guests, if you purchase used or second hand items, or have items such as furniture or bedding delivered etc. Early detection is among the most important ways that you can protect yourself from having an introduction of bed bugs turn into a nightmare that is difficult and costly to eliminate. The use of mattress and box spring encasements is one of the most economical and useful tools that can aid in the early detection of bed bugs. It is very important that the encasements have been specifically designed for bed bugs and have been scientifically tested to demonstrate their effectiveness. The most effective encasement that we have examined is the Bug Lock encasement. By encasing mattresses, any bed bugs that may be introduced, are restricted to the exterior of the encasements where they can be readily detected through a good visual inspection. In addition, mattress and box spring encasements can also prevent the infestation of the mattress and box spring should bed bugs be introduced.

Mattress encasments can be used proactively to prevent the mattress & box springfrom becoming infested if bed bugs are introduced as well as aid in the early detection of bed bugsby restricting their activity to the exterior of the encasment where they can be readily detected and dealt with.

It is also very important to become familiar with the signs the bed bugs leave behind so that you know what to look for when conducting an inspection. In addition to being familiar with what the bugs look like you should also know how to recognize other key indicators that may be present. First it is important to realize that rarely will you see red blood stains unless a bed bug is smashed while it still has an undigested blood meal in its body (similar to squashing a mosquito while it is still full of blood). Instead of red blood spots being left behind, the bed bugs feed on their victim, digest the blood and leave behind fecal material that is dark, almost black in color and appears as small spots. Evidence of black spots or stains that are slightly raised and have a rough texture is characteristic evidence of bed bug activity. You also want to be familiar with the shed skins that bed bugs leave behind as they go from one immature stage to the next (similar to how a snake sheds its skin).

It is wise to be on the look out for bite symptoms and to conduct inspections in the weeks and months following an event that may have exposed you to bed bugs. For example, for several months upon returning from an overnight trip it is a good idea to periodically inspect (at least once every few weeks) your bed and upholstered furniture. As mentioned above, bed bugs often go undetected for several months until their populations become larger and they eventually emerge in areas where they are more easily detected.

Travel and the purchase of used or second hand furniture and/or bedding are still among the most likely ways to introduce bed bugs. It is far easier to avoid purchasing used items than it is to eliminate travel. However there are many steps that can be taken during travel to minimize the likelihood of staying in a bed bug infested environment or bringing bed bugs home with you. (Also see section titled - Protect Yourself When Traveling )

If at any time you have reason to believe that you are experiencing a problem with bed bugs it is very important that you act swiftly and contact a pest management professional to conduct a thorough inspection and evaluate the situation. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to control especially if they are not caught during the early stages of the infestation.

Protect yourself when you travel

There are many steps that can be taken when traveling to reduce the likelihood of staying in a bed bug infested environment and infesting your home when you return from your travels. Preventive measures begin with the type of luggage you have, how you pack, what you do when you arrive at your destination, as well as the steps you take when you return home. The extent to which you try to prevent an unanticipated encounter with bed bugs is directly related to the level of concern you have and how much your are willing to be inconvenienced in order to protect. Due to the extensive nature of this subject, this webpage does not go into the exhaustive detail necessary to cover all of the measures that an individual can take to protect themselves while traveling.

How do I know I have bed bugs?

KEY POINTS:

• A physical sample of an actual bug or egg is required to be 100% certain that you have bed bugs
• Bite symptoms are a good indicator but cannot be diagnosed with 100% certainty
• The most effective inspections are conducted by a qualified pest management professional

The only way to know for sure if you have bed bugs, is to produce an actual sample of the bug itself. Do not automatically assume that any bite-like mark is a bed bug bite. Also it is important to realize that medical professionals cannot give a positive diagnosis simply by examining bite symptoms, they can only suggest some possible explanations for what may have caused the bites/symptoms to occur. Obviously if you see bugs in your home associated with your bedding or other furniture, you should have it examined by a professional that is qualified to provide a positive identification. However, if you are experiencing bites but have not seen any bugs, you should consider the circumstances in which the bites are occurring. For example, there is a very good chance that you have bed bugs if you keep repeatedly waking up each morning with bite symptoms on your body that were not present when you went to sleep. A situation like this would be a good reason to have a pest management professional perform an inspection to identify if bed bugs are present. On the other hand, bites that occur at various times of the day in various locations such as at home, in the car, at work, etc. are much less likely to be caused by bed bugs. It is also important to realize that just because you have looked for bed bugs and could not find them, does not mean that they are not there. These insects lead a very cryptic and secretive lifestyle and will often go undetected. It is best to have a highly trained professional conduct the inspection for you.

Occasionally you may see evidence of a bed bug infestation without actually seeing any bed bugs. Bed bugs leave fecal stains in the areas they inhabit. These stains are actually partially digested blood but remember that it will not be red unless you crush a bed bug that has just recently fed. As the blood is digested it turns black and therefore the bed bug droppings usually consist of several black spots in one area. The fecal spots will not flake off if rubbed and will smear if wiped with a wet rag.

Early Detection of Bed Bugs

KEY POINTS:

• Early detection of bed bugs is difficult and low level infestations will often go undetected.
• There are no reliable devices that can be placed out to detect bed bugs
• In most cases we must rely on our ability to detect bed bugs through visual inspection
• Canine scent detection is emerging as another inspection method that can aid in the early detection of bed bugs (learn more)
• Mattress and box spring encasements can be very helpful in the early detection of bed bugs (learn more)

The early detection of bed bugs is very difficult. In many cases bed bugs will go undetected during an inspection particularly during the early stages of an infestation when only a few bugs or eggs are present.
Even the most qualified inspector will be challenged when the entire infestation consists of two eggs that were laid on a piece of luggage and hitch hiked a ride back to your house after a recent.

The installation of bed bug specific monitors or early detection devices would be extremely helpful but no such devices exist at the current time. Insect sticky traps/glue boards are often placed out in an effort to catch bed bugs and while these traps will capture some, they are not reliable monitoring devices since any bugs caught on them were by chance and the monitors should not be used as the basis for concluding that an area is free of bed bugs.

The use of mattress and box spring encasements that have been specifically designed and tested for with bed bugs may be one of the easiest things you can do to help detect the presence of bed bugs. The reason that encasements are so helpful is because your mattress and box spring have many hiding places for bed bugs making inspection time consuming and difficult. Without an encasement, evidence of bed bugs is often buried deep inside your mattress and box spring, and can be almost impossible to find. However by encasing the mattress and box spring the bug's access is restricted to the smooth exterior of the encasement where signs of bed bugs, such as spotting and shed skins or the bugs themselves are readily detected during an inspection. Early detection of bed bugs is often complicated when the bugs are occupying areas inside the box spring or under folds on the mattress where they are easily missed. However by encasing the mattress and box spring the bug's access is restricted to the smooth exterior of the encasement where they are much more readily detected during an inspection. An additional benefit is realized as the encasements prevent the subsequent infestation of the mattress and box spring.

Canine scent detection is another method that can be employed to detect bed bugs. The advantage of using specially trained dogs to detect bed bugs is that they detect the infestation through their sense of smell rather than relying on visual detection. Canine scent detection also has its limitations and dogs, just like humans, can miss a low level infestation if the scent is not available to them. The take home message is that regardless of the methods used, low level infestations can go undetected and thus just because an inspection fails to reveal an infestation does not mean that they are not there. (See also - Canine Scent Detection for Bed Bugs )

Canine Scent Detection for Bed Bugs

KEY POINTS:

• Canine scent detection can be an effective inspection method
• Dogs, just like humans, are not perfect and thus are not 100% reliable
• Many factors need to be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of a canine scent detection service for bed bugs

Dogs have been used very effectively for the detection of a wide variety of things which include but are not limited to drugs, bombs, fugitives, cadavers, mold, and termites. So why not bed bugs? There would seem to be no reason, and canine scent detection for bed bugs is already available.

A number of scent detection companies have emerged offering canine scent detection of bed bugs. While we are advocates of canine scent detection, it is also our opinion that the current scent detection offerings have limitations. If you are considering a scent detection company you should consider the following:

• How frequently do the dogs have false positive alerts (this means that the dog alerts to the presence of bedbugs in situations where bedbugs are not present).
• How often (what percent of time) do dogs fail to find bed bugs?

You will want to carefully look at the claims of the company you are considering and determine what type of research has been done to validate their claims on the performance of the dogs. While the use of canine scent detection is both an exciting and promising method for the early detection of bed bugs, it is still an evolving technique and you should exercise caution when considering this method of detection to ensure that the detection service that you select is capable of delivering the level of service that you expect.

Canine scent detection can be very effective but it is important to realize that every bed bug detection dog and handler team is different from the next and you need to find out exactly what you can expect from the team that is performing the inspection. A well-trained bed bug detection dog should be able to identify very small numbers of live bed bugs, sometimes as few as one. Additionally, the dogs should be able to discriminate live bugs and viable eggs from evidence left over from an old infestation (fecal spotting, caste skins, empty egg shells, carcasses). Unless they are able to do this, it becomes much more difficult to distinguish between active and old infestations. Some trainers cross train dogs to detect multiple scents which may make it difficult to interpret a dog's alerts. How do you know whether the dog is alerting on the scent of mold or of bed bugs if it has been trained to detect both? Like any other inspection tool, scent detection has shortcomings and is not always definitive. Scent dogs depend on their noses, so their inspection is limited by what they can smell. Sometimes, bed bugs can be present but the odor is simply not available to the dog. The reasons for this vary, but the three most significant factors include the location of the bugs, air flow, and temperature. If bed bugs are located well above the dog's head, and the air flow is pulling the scent upwards, the dog may not alert. Therefore, it is entirely possible for bed bugs to be in plain view high up on the wall or along the ceiling and not be detected by the dog. It is this type of failure that causes some to doubt the utility of scent-detection dogs.

However, there are just as many situations where the dog will alert on bed bugs that are difficult or unlikely for an inspector to find: an outlet with a bug or two behind it, a baseboard that has a few bugs behind it, or eggs hidden along a carpet tack strip. A scent-detection dog can go under a bed and alert on bugs inside the box spring without an inspector having to take the mattress and box spring off. The dogs can alert to bed bugs behind a heavy entertainment center without anyone having to move it, and can detect bed bugs or their eggs in a pile of clothing or a toy box full of stuffed animals.

What should be your response when the dog alerts? You have a choice to make, you can either put all of your trust in the dog's ability or you can try and confirm the presence of live bugs or viable eggs in the area that the dog indicated. If you are going to inspect the areas to confirm the dog's findings you will need to remove the mattress and box spring, take off the outlet switch, pull up the carpet, remove the baseboard, empty and move the entertainment center, and go through the pile of clothing and stuffed animals where the dog alerted. This can be done but obviously this adds time and money to the inspection and there is no guarantee that you will be able to find the bug(s) or egg(s) that the dog alerted on. If the evidence is inaccessible, or you simply fail to see it, you will not be able to visually confirm the alert. Also, the dog is alerting on a 'scent picture, and while it will often be right where the bugs or eggs are, there is also the possibility that it is not. Scent travels with air, sometimes for significant distances. A multiple-dog approach can help overcome some of these issues and often adds the level of certainty needed for both the handler as well as the contracting party. For example, if the first dog alerts, indicating that bed bugs are present, then a second dog is brought in to inspect the area and to see if it, too, alerts in the same vicinity as the first dog. Still, you must decide what you are going to do with this information. One option is to say that a double positive indication is viewed as a confirmation that bugs are present. A mixed result, one dog alerts and the second does not, could be viewed as reason to perform a visual inspection in an effort to find bugs or eggs. If visual inspection fails to reveal evidence of a live infestation, you must decide whether or not you are going to trust the first dog. Bed bug scent detection is not perfect. The contracting parties should agree in advance as to what methods will be used and how the information will be interpreted. Questions to be considered include the following:

Will they rely on the dog's detection alone? Do they want a second dog for confirmation purposes? What if there are mixed results between multiple dogs? What circumstances will mandate a detailed visual inspection to confirm the dog's alert? How to handle situations where the presence of bed bugs could not be confirmed through visual inspection?

Nevertheless, scent detection adds a whole new dimension to the inspection. Bugs that might escape visual detection by a human may be detected by a bed bug sniffing dog and vice versa. Look at it this way: Bed bugs can be so difficult to detect that different methods may prove to be useful from one location to the next. The more bed bug detection tools you can deploy, the more likely you are to detect infestations early when bed bugs are the easiest to control. NESDCA (National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association) The National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA) was recently formed and held its first meeting at the University of Florida Department of Entomology's Southeast Pest Management Conference. The objectives of the association are as follows:

To unite and assist all entomology scent detection canine teams in the training and continued improvement of all Entomology scent detecting work dogs. To establish a working standard for all entomology scent detecting canines, handlers and trainers through an accreditation program. To provide educational material through publications, visual aids and training seminars. To improve the image of the entomology scent detecting canine.

The standards that are being utilized by NESDECA are based upon research on canine scent detection conducted by scientists at The University of Florida, Department of Entomology. This association provides the insurance that the training facilities, training methods, and dog/handler teams have met the high standards set by NESDCA. Training facilities that are NESDCA certified are listed on the NESDCA website. You can visit the NESDCA website at www.nesdca.com to learn more about the association, to find NESDCA certified training facilities, or to look up NESDCA certified dog & handler teams trained specifically for bed bug scent detection.

Reference Articles: Are Bed Bug Dogs Up to Snuff? By Richard Cooper - Pest Control Magazine - January 2007 Four-Legged Bed Bug Detectives By Richard Cooper - Pest Control Technology - August 2007

I have bed bugs, Now what?

KEY POINTS:

• Bed bugs are best handled by a professional
• Physical methods such as vacuuming or hot laundering can be helpful
• Vacuums that are used to remove bed bugs can become infested
• Beds do not have to be thrown out, they can be saved by using an appropriate mattress & box spring encasement (learn more)
• Sleeping in a different room or vacating the structure is not a solution and can make the problem more difficult to eliminate

1. Contact a professional

The complete elimination of bed bugs requires highly trained, and licensed individuals knowledgeable in bed bug biology, behavior, and the proper use of pesticides. There is little chance that you will be able to eliminate the problem on your own. Most commercially available pesticides are not designed for bed bugs and the use of these products (while they may kill some bed bugs) will only spread the bed bugs to remote areas and make the problem much more difficult to solve. While chemical remedies should only be handled by professionals, there are many non-chemical measures you can take to help eliminate the problem and speed up the results of your bed bug program. These techniques are discussed below.

2. Remove bed bugs

Just because you have bed bugs does not mean that you have to wait for a professional to kill them. You can simply crush them with a rag (although this may stain surfaces) or remove them with a vacuum. Regularly inspecting and vacuuming your mattress and box spring is a very effective way to reduce large numbers of bed bugs quickly. However, it is important to note that bed bugs can readily infest vacuums. To reduce the likelihood of the vacuum becoming infested you should choose a vacuum that empties into a vacuum bag instead of a filter. A vacuum bag can be easily disposed of while a filter is difficult to completely empty and eggs can easily lodge in places that you cannot see. Also, avoid using vacuum attachments that have brushes or bristles. Instead use the open end of the hose. Vacuuming up a little bit of talcum/baby powder before you start vacuuming and just after you finish may also help reduce the survival rate of some of the bugs that are vacuumed up. As soon as you are done vacuuming, the vacuum bag should be tied shut in a trash bag and discarded outside of the home. You should also inspect the housing of the vacuum where the bag attaches to the hose as some bugs may escape the vacuum bag. If you have a bagless vacuum, the contents of the canister should be emptied into a trash bag and tied shut. The canister should then be washed to remove any remaining bed bugs or eggs. If you are concerned about the vacuum becoming infested then you should not follow this recommendation.

3. Eliminate clutter

Clutter is a bed bug's best friend and a pest management professional's worst enemy. Clutter provides an infinite number of areas for bed bugs to hide and creates areas that cannot be effectively treated by your pest management professional. These areas are a safe haven for bed bugs. Cluttered areas can cause the complete failure of a bed bug control program. If cluttered conditions persist, your pest management professional may only be able to reduce the number of bed bugs and never completely eliminate the problem. Do your best to eliminate clutter.

4. Do not store items under bed

Related to #3, items stored under the bed give bed bugs additional undisturbed areas to hide protected from any chemical treatments.

5. Launder items regularly

Heat is deadly to bed bug. All stages of bed bugs including the eggs can be killed by exposing them to temperatures in excess of 115oF for at least five minutes. Hot laundering can be a highly effective method for dealing with any item that can be safely placed in a clothes dryer on high heat. Linens should be laundered regularly (preferably weekly) in hot water and dried in the hot cycle of your dryer to kill any bed bugs or eggs on the items. Even of you do not see any bed bugs on the items, female bed bugs drop eggs randomly as they roam. These eggs are very tiny and will not be noticed on your linens. Washing the linens will remove and kill these eggs. Likewise, if your couch is infested, you can also remove the cushion covers (if possible) and launder them as well.

6. Install mattress and box spring encasements

There are many mattress and box spring encasements available to the consumer; however most of these encasements have not been designed specifically for use with bed bugs. Instead most encasements available to the consumer are designed to either protect the bed from becoming stained or provide relief for people with allergies to dust mites. This does not mean that they will be effective for bed bugs. It is very important to be sure that the encasement that you purchase has been specifically designed for bed bugs and has scientific data to support the effectiveness of the product.

Once beds are encased any bugs that may be trapped within the encasement will unable to escape or feed and will eventually die. In addition, once the beds are protected, other bed bugs cannot penetrate the encasement and thus cannot infest the mattress or box spring. Instead, bed bugs are restricted to the surface of the encasement where they are easy to spot and remove. In addition to playing an important role in managing a bed bug infestation, encasements can also be a very useful pro-active tool to help aid in the early detection of bed bugs should they be introduced into a dwelling that was not previously infested. Finally, it is important that the encasements are kept in good condition. Any rips in the encasements will allow bed bugs to enter and exit the encasement.

7. Do not change where you sleep

Some people believe that they can avoid bed bugs by sleeping in a different area of their home. Once people identify that their bed is infested they will often begin sleeping in a different bedroom or on the sofa. Bed bugs have evolved over millions of years to be very adept at locating potential hosts to feed on. If you move to a different area of the home to sleep, the bed bugs will find you. Changing where you sleep is likely to promote the movement of bugs throughout the structure and make it more difficult to eliminate the infestation. Even if you move out of your home, you risk bringing bed bugs with you to your temporary residence and infesting that area as well. Not only can you spread the bed bugs, but when you return home the bugs will be waiting to great you. Remember, bed bugs can survive many months, and in some cases up to a year or more without feeding. Although it sounds like a grim choice, it is best to continue sleeping in the infested area until the bed bugs are eliminated.

8. Do not immediately throw items away

For many people, the immediate reaction to a bed bug infestation is to throw the infested items away. This is unnecessary and could possibly make the problem worse. As items are carried through the home to be discarded, bed bugs can fall off of the item and be spread throughout the home to uninfested areas. Also, you are eliminating the harborages for these bed bugs and disturbing them. This may cause the bed bugs to move to find other places to live and spread the problem. In addition, discarded items are often picked up by other people (maybe even your neighbor), spreading the problem to new areas. In some circumstances when the item is in poor condition or is highly infested, discarding the item is the best option. However, this is best left to a professional so that the item can be discarded properly without spreading the problem.

Infested beds are often discarded without destroying them or sealing them in a plastic or other protective encasing. The end result is that bugs and eggs may be distributed along the path out of the dwelling as they are removed. Infested beds left outside in hallways,by dumpsters or curbside may be picked up by an unsuspecting party spreading the problem to a new location.

Should I vacate the structure?

KEY POINTS:

• Vacating the structure is rarely a solution & may complicate the control effort
• Bed bugs can survive many months without feeding
• It is very difficult to determine when a vacant structure is free of bed bugs

Whether or not to vacate a bed bug infested structure is controversial subject. Obviously if you are a guest of a hotel or motel there is little doubt that vacating the infested area would be the immediate response upon learning of an infestation. However, precautions should be taken to minimize the likelihood of taking bugs with you when leaving the infested room. Bug what if the infestation occurs in your home or the workplace, should the structure be vacated? This is where things get complicated. On one hand, how can you say that it is ok to leave people there where they will continue to be bitten by bugs? While at first it may seem incomprehensible to suggest that people remain in a structure that has bed bugs, consider the following point:

Bed bugs are not considered a disease threat and at the current time are not considered a pest of medical importance Rarely are structures vacated during flea infestations. Instead occupants remain present while the fleas are eliminated which may take weeks or longer depending on the complexity and extent of the flea infestation Pest control efforts may not be effective in vacated structures as many of the bugs are likely to be inactive without a human host present and will not interact with the chemical treatments Bed bugs can survive many months without a blood meal so the structure will need to remain vacant for a very long time, perhaps months or even up to a year or more,to insure that all of the bugs died. If alternate hosts are present such as mice, the bed bugs may continue to survive regardless of how long the structure remains vacant. In multi-occupancy settings such as apartments, college dormitories etc., infested rooms that are vacated may promote the dispersal of bed bugs to surrounding units in search of a blood meal. It is virtually impossible to determine through current inspection methods when the vacant structure is actually free of bed bugs.

For these reasons it is not uncommon for structures to be vacated, treated repeatedly, inspected and found to be free of bed bugs, only to have the occupants experience bed bug bites once they re-occupy the structure.

Should a unit be vacated in multi-occupancy settings such as apartments, hotels, health care facilities, dormitories etc., it is highly recommended that ongoing inspections of the adjoining units (above, below, and to the sides) be conducted until the infestation has been eliminated and the vacated unit has been placed back into the market. It is important to realize that the longer the unit remains vacant the greater the likelihood that bugs will migrate to one or more of the surrounding units in search of a blood meal. Adjoining units can also be treated pro-actively, although it is unclear just how effective this measure will be in preventing bed bugs. Mattresses and box springs can be encased in the adjoining units, to protect them from becoming infested and to increase the likelihood of detection of bed bugs during subsequent inspections.

While it may not be an appealing answer, it is best not to vacate structures as it may create a whole new set of problems that are more difficult to deal with than the original infestation. If you choose to vacate the structure dont be surprised if bed bugs are there to greet you when you return.

What should I do with my bed?

KEY POINTS:

• It is usually not necessary to discard bed bug infested beds
• Discarding of infested beds is rarely a solution
• New beds that are purchased to replace discarded beds often become infested
• It is not necessary to treat beds with pesticides
• Non chemical methods can be a very effective way of dealing with bed bug infested beds
• Mattress and box spring encasements are among the most effective methods for bed bug infested beds.
• Encasements can be used to protect replacement beds or to salvage existing beds

One of the biggest misconceptions about bed bugs is that infestations are limited to the bed. For this reason, many people throw their bed(s) away believing that this will solve their problem. Unfortunately, discarding the mattress and the box spring rarely solves the problem and new beds that are purchased and brought into the home often become infested by bugs that were still present in the structure. This can obviously become very expensive and raises the following question: Just how many beds can you afford to throw away if your new beds keep getting infested? There are a number of factors that you should consider when deciding how to deal with infested beds. Each of the options is discussed below:

Discarding Beds You should not discard your bed because you feel you have to. However, there are benefits to getting rid of infested bedding if you decide that you want to. While it is true that in most situations bugs will be located in areas away from the bed, the majority of bugs will in fact be associated with the mattress and box spring. As a result, discarding the bed is a very effective way of immediately eliminating a large percentage of the bed bug population. It may make even more sense to discard the beds if the bed is severely infested, if it is old and in need of replacement or you emotionally cant deal with leaving the infested bed in the home.

If you choose to throw infested beds away it is important to be careful how you go about getting rid of the bed so that you dont create an even bigger problem. First think about what is going to happen to the infested mattress after you discard it. Is it going to be sitting out on the curbside or by a dumpster? How long will it be sitting outside before it is collected and will some unsuspecting person pick it up before the collection truck arrives? It is important to take measures to prevent your bed bug infestation from becoming someone else's infestation. Steps that can be taken include coordinating the discarding of the bed with the trash collection schedule to minimize the time it is left outside. Once outside of the home the bed can be spray painted or marked indicating that it is infested. Regardless of how you choose to deal with the bed think about the problems that the bed could create for someone else and try to take some type of action to prevent it.

It is also extremely important to consider how you are going to get the bed out of the structure so that bugs and eggs are not dispersed during the removal process. Just imagine dragging the bed across the floor and down the stairs or carrying the bed and having it bang into a wall by accident. One option is to remove as many of the visible bugs and eggs with a canister vacuum or shop vacuum. The problem with this is that you run the risk of infesting the vacuum (see Remove Bugs). Even if you do try to remove the bugs with a vacuum, chances are, you will not get all of the bugs and may still disperse them as you carry it out. It is a good idea to contain the bugs by thoroughly wrapping the bed in shrink wrap or plastic before removing it from the structure. Even after it is wrapped the infested items should be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary bumps or jolts while carrying it out of the structure.

Now you need to protect the new bed from becoming infested once you bring it into the home. This is the easiest step, as new mattresses and box springs can be encased in mattress and box spring encasements immediately after they have been delivered. By using BugLock encasements, newly purchased mattresses and box springs will be protected from re-infestation as long as the encasements have not been compromised (ripped or torn). As bed bugs that are still in the structure migrate to the bed in search of a blood meal their movement will be restricted to the exterior of the encasement where they can be easily detected and eliminated.

Treatment of Beds with Pesticides Never treat a bed with pesticides unless you are using a product that has been specifically designed and intended for such use. It is equally important that you follow all pesticide label directions carefully and that you never use a product in a manner that is inconsistent with the label directions. Very few pesticides are allowed to be used to treat beds due to the obvious concerns associated with pesticide exposure. However, there are some EPA registered pesticide products that do have label directions permitting various types of treatments to mattresses and box springs. However, just because you can treat beds with certain products doesnt mean that it is a good idea to do so.

We do not recommend treating infested beds for the following reasons. First, most pesticides work well on contact but not nearly as well as a dry residual. This means that bugs you spray directly will typically die, but many of the bugs that encounter the treated surfaces after the chemical has dried are likely to survive. The question must be asked; why spray bugs that you can see when a vacuum cleaner or steam can accomplish the same thing. In addition, because many chemicals are not very effective when dry, repeated applications will need to be made to deal with the new bugs as they arrive at the bed from surrounding areas. Thus it is our opinion that the repeated use of pesticides on sleeping surfaces results in an unnecessary level of pesticide exposure that could have been avoided through use of effective non-chemical measures.

Treatment of a Mattress

Mechanical Removal or Destruction Non chemical measures such as the use of vacuums or direct treatment with steam can be used very effectively to remove or destroy visible bugs and eggs that are associated with mattresses and box springs. It is very important to note that these methods are very effective for removing the majority of bugs however it is unlikely that 100% of the bugs and/or eggs will be removed. Following the physical removal of most of the bugs it is strongly recommended that mattresses and box springs be encased. The use of an appropriate encasement (BugLock encasement) will trap any remaining bugs inside the encasement where they will eventually starve and die.

Eliminating bed bugs with a vacuum cleaner can be a very effective method but be cautioned that vacuums can readily become infested by bed bugs (precautionary measures are discussed below). Lightweight, portable, battery charged vacuums are not likely to have the suction power needed and are not recommended. Instead standard electrically powered vacuums should be used, but avoid using upright vacuums that are intended for use on floors or carpeted areas. Instead use a canister type vacuum or other vacuum that is equipped with a hose (crevice tool attachments can also be useful). Avoid the use of attachments that have brushes or bristles that bugs and eggs can easily cling to.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of using a vacuum is the risk of the vacuum becoming infested. If you choose to use a vacuum to remove bed bugs, it is ideal to use a different vacuum than the one that is used in the routine cleaning of the structure. After each use the vacuum can be stored and sealed tightly in a heavy contractor grade plastic bag (>3ml), or stored in an air tight storage container. Vacuum bags should be discarded immediately by placing the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag and then discarding it into a trash receptacle outdoors (double or triple bagging the vacuum bag prior to disposal is a good idea). As mentioned above, having a separate vacuum that has been dedicated solely for removing bed bugs and is carefully stored in a sealed container after each use, will help reduce the likelihood that the vacuum will create additional problems in the dispersal of bed bugs. It is also recommended that you advise you pest management professional where your vacuum is stored so they can pay special attention to that area during their services.

The effective removal of bugs/eggs using a vacuum requires that the nozzle or tip of the hose is very close or in direct contact with the bugs or eggs. Bed bugs have small claws at the tips of the feet that enable them to cling tightly to surfaces enabling them to resist the suction of a vacuum to some degree. Eggs are attached to surfaces with a cement-like material that can make them difficult to remove. For this reason, when vacuuming, it is important to use a back and forth scraping motion directly on the surface where bugs and eggs are present in order to remove as many bugs/eggs as possible. It is important to realize that no matter how thorough you are with the vacuuming effort it is unlikely that you will remove 100% of the bugs and eggs. Some will not be pulled out of cracks or crevices associated with the inside of the box spring; others may be too small and go unnoticed. The point is you cannot assume the bed is free of bugs after vacuuming. Encasing beds after most of the bugs have been removed is becoming a very common practice.

Steam is another highly effective method for destroying bed bugs. Five minutes of exposure to temperatures in excess of 115oF is lethal to all stages of bed bugs, including the eggs. Direct exposure of bed bugs to steam can kill all stages of bed bugs in seconds. Like most things in life, this sounds simple and in many ways it is, but if not used correctly steam will not kill the insects and may do little more than give them a warm bath. It is important to remember that when working with high temperatures it is very easy to suffer burns. As a result if you are using steam you should read all follow manufacturer directions and safety advice.

There are many inexpensive steamers available in retail stores. We have not worked with any of the consumer grade steamers and thus cannot comment on the effectiveness of these products. It is possible that some of the less expensive steamers may work just fine however there are a number of reasons to caution against using these products: The steam may not be hot enough to reach lethal temperatures when only contacting the insects for a second or two. The pressure may not be great enough to maintain the output needed The steam that is produced is very wet and may soak the surfaces being steamed

Commercial grade steamers are much more expensive (often $500 or more) but are worth the cost. We have worked with commercial steamers manufactured by Amerivap (http://www.amerivap.com) and by Hi-Tech Cleaning Systems (http://www.hitechcleaningsystems.com) and have found both to be highly effective for use in destroying bugs and eggs on contact. Advantages to these steaming units are that they can produce very high temperatures (> 190oF) which will kill all stages within just a second or two of direct exposure. The steam produced is considered a dry steam meaning that the total water content in the steam is less resulting in less moisture on surfaces contacted. While steam can be a very effective method, it is one that may best be left to professional pest management professional as there are many details that go into the effective and efficient use of this method. Additionally, if steam is used on the mattress or box spring, encasements hould only be utilized after the bed has been allowed to completely air dry to prevent the onset of mold from moisture trapped within the encasement.

Steaming a Box Spring

Encasement of Mattress and Box Spring There are many encasements available in the marketplace, but few are effective against bed bugs. The encasement that we believe is the most effective is the BugLock encasement, manufactured by Protect-A-Bed of Chicago. The encasements can be used salvage beds that are infested with bed bugs. Once the encasements have been installed any bugs or eggs that are still associated with the mattresses and box springs will be trapped inside the encasement and will eventually die.

There are several recommendations when using mattress and box spring encasements: 1. The physical removal or destruction of as many bugs and eggs as possible before installing the encasements is strongly recommended but not absolutely necessary. 2. It is absolutely necessary to encase both the mattress and the box spring. 3. Encasements are only effective if they are completely intact so it is important to periodically inspect the encasements to be sure that the integrity of the encasement has not somehow become compromised (ripped, torn or worn through). Areas where the encasement is in contact with sharp edges or protrusions (i.e. bolts bed frame) are particularly susceptible to becoming damaged. Placement of some type of padding (i.e. felt) over these areas may help increase the longevity of the encasement.

Mattress and Box Spring Encasements

KEY POINTS:

• Encasements can be used proactively for the early detection of Bed Bugs
• The use of encasements can prevent bed bugs from getting inside the mattress and box spring
• Encasements can greatly aid in controlling bed bugs in an infested dwelling
• It is very important that the encasement has been specifically tested and designed to be effective against bed bugs
• The use of encasements is discussed throughout this web page due to the important role that they play in a bed bug management program. BugLock encasements, manufactured by Protect-A-Bed of Chicago were the first encasements to become commercially available that were specifically designed for bed bugs. The BugLock encasements were also the first encasement to be backed by scientific data, proving their effectiveness against bed bugs. Scientifically proven encasements can be used as an early detection tool as well as a reactionary measure for trapping bed bugs and preventing the future re-infestation of beds.

Proactive Use of Encasements As discussed in other sections of this web page, encasements can be used in a proactive manner before a bed bug infestation ever begins. Encasement of mattresses and box springs will greatly aid in the early detection of bed bugs and can prevent the infestation of beds in the event that bed bugs are somehow introduced. Once encased, bed bugs are unable to get inside of the encased mattresses and box springs. With their movement restricted to the smooth outer surface of the encasement, they are exposed and can be readily detected during a visual inspection. In addition, while they may be able to rest on the outer surface of the encasement they are unable to infest the interior of the mattress or the box spring.

Reactive Use of Encasements Encasements also play a very important role in helping to eliminate bed bug infestations. The majority of bed bugs are typically associated with the mattresses and box springs. Eliminating them from these areas is very time consuming as well as challenging not to mention that in most cases the beds simply becomes re-infested as bugs migrate from other parts of the structure to the bed in search of a blood meal. Encasements are a very simple and highly effective method for dealing with the bed bugs that are associated with beds by trapping bugs inside and preventing migrating bugs from re-infesting the mattresses and box springs. The use of encasements also increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the follow up visits by taking the complexity of the bed out of the equation. Follow up visits simply involve inspection of the smooth surface of the encasements rather than having to carefully examine all of the wooden framework, coils, padding, or piping associated with the mattress and box spring.

Finding an Effective Encasement There are many encasements available in the marketplace, but most will simply not work effectively against bed bugs. The first truly effective bed bug encasement on the marketplace is the BugLock encasement, manufactured by Protect-A-Bed of Chicago which has been shown through rigorous scientific tests to be completely escape proof and bite proof (see executive summary of research). It is strongly suggested that you only use encasements that have strong scientific data backing the claims for use with bed bugs. It is our opinion that using an unproven encasement may be worse than not encasing the bed at all. Unproven encasements may provide a false sense of security and can actually protect or promote the survival of the bed bugs.

In order for an encasement to be effective it must be both bite proof, meaning that the bugs cannot feed through the material, and escape proof, meaning that the bugs cannot get in or out of the encasement after it has been installed. However, unless the encasements have been specifically designed for bed bugs it is very unlikely that they will be both bite proof and escape proof. ( see article: Just Encase) We have worked very closely with Protect-A-Bed of Chicago setting out to design the first effective encasement for bed bugs. During the development, different types of materials were examined and it was determined that there are some fabrics that bed bugs could actually feed through.

Protecting the Encasement Encasements should not be removed once they are installed. Instead they should be viewed as the new exterior surface of the mattress or box spring. Fitted sheets or mattress pads that can be laundered can be used to protect the encasements from staining. It is also important to recognize that the encasements are only effective as long as they are not compromised in any way (ripped, worn or torn). The area where encasements are most vulnerable to becoming compromised is where the box spring rubs against the bed frame. Some bed frames have sharp edges, bolts or other protrusions that when rubbed against may damage the encasement. One way to provide additional protection of the box spring encasement is to install additional padding (i.e. felt pads) in areas that are potentially damaging to the encasement. We have recently begun experimenting with felt pads with an adhesive backing that helps pad the encasement without creating a new harborage for bed bugs to hide behind.

Are Bed Bugs Difficult to Control?

Bed bugs may in fact be the most challenging pest problem currently facing the pest control industry. There are many pests that homeowners may decide to try and control on their own but bed bugs should not be one of them. Even the most experienced pest management firms will have their work cut out for them and it may be difficult, if not impossible, to guarantee the total elimination of bed bugs from some infested environments. Reduction of bed bug populations is not difficult in most cases, however it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to eliminate every last bug in some situations. If even one adult female survives, the environment may become re-infested. For this reason it is difficult to guarantee bed bug work. For example, one adult female may be hiding inside the binding of a book sitting on a book shelf, another may be located beneath a floor board etc. These small pockets of bugs allow the infestation to continue at low levels and make elimination an uncertainty. The consumer needs to be aware that 100% elimination cannot always be guaranteed with current conventional pest management methods. When dealing with a company that is offering a guarantee, consumers should inquire what the guarantee really covers, does it guarantee complete elimination and how long is the guarantee? Most guarantees will be limited to no longer than a few months due to the potential for re-introduction of new bugs into the environment.

The bottom line is that bed bug work requires a highly trained professional. It takes hard work, follow-up efforts and it can be expensive.

Challenges with Bed Bug Control Efforts

The first part of the answer to that question is that bed bugs are as new to today's generation of pest management professionals as they are to the American public. As a result many of the pest management firms are still trying to figure out how to effectively deal with bed bug infestations. In fact most pest control technicians have never even seen a bed bug, let alone treated for them. It is difficult to find a company that is very experienced and really understands how to effectively manage bed bug infestations. Companies that are quick to offer a guarantee that they will eliminate or "solve" the problem in one or two visits may not really understand what they are up against. Of course consumers are likely to prefer a company that is confident that they can solve the problem in one or two visits compared to a company that explains that elimination cannot be guaranteed, and that it may take three to four visits or possibly more to resolve the problem. However, the later company probably has a better understanding of the pest and in the long run is probably better equipped to deliver a higher level of control. The consumer really needs to be very aware that it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible to eliminate 100% of the bed bugs in a dwelling.

Clutter is probably the single biggest obstacle that stands in the way of control. Closets that are filled with belongings, items stored beneath beds or furniture, piles of clothing or other items on the floor, etc. all provide an unlimited number of hiding places for bed bugs. In addition, clutter creates areas that cannot be effectively treated by your pest management professional. The more clutter, the longer it will take to gain control. In the case of very cluttered conditions, control may be impossible. For this reason control is much more easily achieved in a hotel room which is not permanently lived in as compared to an apartment or single family home.

How Long to Control Bed Bugs

The time required to achieve control can vary greatly. It is best to view bed bug control as an ongoing effort that may require numerous visits to inspect and re-treat the infested areas. In most cases, bed bugs infestations can be resolved in three to four visits. In most situations, the bed bug populations should be dramatically reduced following the initial visit. Some bugs may continue to persist and it is these smaller populations that require a dedicated and persistent follow up effort to eliminate. The number of bugs and bites experienced by the homeowner should be minimal during the remainder of the management program. To date there are no effective monitoring tools available for bed bugs. Many companies will place insect glue boards or sticky traps out to monitor for bed bugs. There is nothing wrong with this practice, however, it should be understood that this is not a reliable monitoring method and the absence of bed bugs on these traps does not accurately reflect if bed bugs are present or not. The only true indicator that bed bugs are no longer present is the absence of bites. However, it is risky to assume that the bed bugs have been eliminated after only a few weeks of "bug-free" or "bite-free" time. Instead, a period of approximately 60 consecutive days of "bug-free" and "bite-free" time will provide a much greater level of confidence that the problem has truly been eliminated.

Elimination of Infestations

Can bed bugs ever be eliminated once they infest an environment? The simple answer is yes, it is possible to eliminate a bed bug infestation in most situations particularly if the bed bugs are detected shortly after they have been introduced into the environment and client cooperation is not an issue. The longer the bed bugs exist without being detected, the greater their opportunity to disperse within the environment, thus making it harder to find and eliminate 100% of the reproducing adult females. Another factor which plays a major role in how readily a bed bug infestation can be eliminated is the amount of available harborages for bed bugs to use as a safe haven from control efforts. Crowded and/or cluttered conditions, as well poorly sealed baseboards, chair and/or crown moldings, window frames, door frames, paneled walls, etc. offer an environment with virtually unlimited harborages. There are also situations, where bed bugs are coming from a connected structure (i.e. row homes, condominiums, etc) that is under ownership by another party and is not being treated. In situations such as these, elimination may not be possible until a cooperative effort is achieved.

In many cases two or three services may be all that is necessary to eliminate the problem. However, there are also many cases that require a greater number of visits before the problem is resolved. Finally, there are some infestations where it can be difficult if not impossible to achieve 100% elimination.

Regardless of how severe the infestation or how complex the environment, there is one way that bed bug infestations can be eliminated with absolute certainty. Structural fumigations, while an extreme and costly method, will effectively eliminate bed bugs from an infested environment. Structural fumigations are often confused with fogging applications but are in fact very different. Fogging applications or "bombing", as it is often referred to, typically involves the application of a natural pyrethrin and requires that the area being treated be vacated for one to several hours. The process of structural fumigation on the other hand, typically involves tarping the entire structure, and vacating it for several days while a fumigant gas is released into the tented structure. These types of applications are common in the Southern United states and on the West Coast for the control of drywood termites. Structural fumigations are an extremely expensive approach and may not be practical or even possible in many situations. In many parts of the country, it may be difficult to locate a pest management firm that is licensed in fumigation services. Thus while this technique will guarantee elimination of the existing infestation, in most cases it is not likely to be economically practical or feasible. Structural fumigations may not be available in all parts of the country and may be restricted by regulatory agencies in some states.

To better understand what is involved in a true structural fumigation, the following website details the process for structural fumigation for the control of dry wood termites. This will give you a very good understanding of this type of control measure. http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/fumigation.htm

Surrounding Units

Bed bugs will readily move between units in multi-occupancy settings such as hotels, apartments, hospitals, dormitories etc. As a result, bed bug management efforts in multi-occupancy structures should that are limited to the infested unit only are often prone to failure. Often property or facility managers are reluctant to expand the bed bug management effort to other units whose occupants have not yet complained about bed bugs. By notifying other occupants of the facility there is the risk of creating alarm and panic among residents not to mention the damage that could be caused to the reputation of the facility. Notifying occupants of surrounding units is a sensitive and sometimes difficult proposition however; the reality is that failure to do so end up being very costly in the long run.

One or more of the surrounding units may have well established infestations that have not been reported by the occupants. In situations like this it will be difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate bed bugs in a unit if one or more of the surrounding units are serving as primary source and are not also addressed.

Another reason to investigate the surrounding units is so that you can identify bed bug infestations that may exist at low levels and have not yet been identified by the occupants of the unit. It is not uncommon for people to suffer from a bed bug infestation for several months or more before they finally realize that they have a problem with bed bugs (see also - Early Detection of Bed Bugs ). If not identified, these low level populations may become very well established and prove to be much more difficult to control had they been identified sooner.

Even if no evidence of bed bugs is found in any of the units that are surrounding the infested unit, the risk of infestation of the surrounding units will continue, and may even increase until the infestation in the neighboring unit has been eliminated. As a result, continued inspection of surrounding units is advised until the original infestation has been eliminated.

One pro-active measure that can be considered is the installation of a mattress and box spring encasements for the beds in surrounding units. A proper encasement can serve as an early detection tool (see also Early Detection of Bed Bugs or Mattress and Box Spring Encasements) as well as prevent the mattress and box spring from becoming infested.

What Products work best on Bed Bugs?

This is a very common question. Often specific products are mentioned in a news article or on the Internet. The fact is that there is very little research on the efficacy of the products available for the control of bed bugs. Presumably, EPA registered products that are labeled for bed bugs should be effective. However, to comment on which product is more effective than another is purely speculation at this point and is not based on current scientific data. For this reason, no specific products are mentioned on this web site.

Another area that is hotly debated is whether or not fogging applications are advisable. Many companies fog structures as part of their management effort. Other companies argue that fogging is not advisable, as it will cause the bed bugs to disperse throughout the structure and drive them deeper into their harborages. Again, comments one way or the other are purely speculation as no scientific data exist to demonstrate exactly what the effect of a fogging application is on a population of bed bugs. Despite the fact that no data exist on this subject, the position that is most likely to be correct is the one that argues against fogging for bed bugs. The reason that this is the case is that Pyrethrum (the chemical that is typically used to fog) is known for its ability to flush or displace insects from their harborages. For this reason it seems likely that the same may be true for bed bugs as well. In addition, the pesticide fog will not effectively penetrate into the tiny cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide.

Rather than debating which product is most effective, greater attention should be placed on the ability of the pest management professional that is implementing the control program. The quality of the bed bug management effort and the level of consumer cooperation will ultimately determine the level of control that will be achieved.

Another concern that arises in association with the use of chemical application is the potential for resistance to the insecticides being applied. The ability of bed bugs to exhibit resistance to pesticides was recently demonstrated by Dr. Michael Potter, Extension Entomologist for the University of Kentucky. For more information regarding this subject click here .

Chemical methods are not the only way to control bed bug infestations. In fact some non-chemical measures are among the most effective in reducing bed bug populations. Vacuums play a major role in bed bug management efforts. Vacuums are used to physically remove as many bed bugs from the mattress, box spring, bed frame, head board, furniture etc. While vacuums are extremely effective, care must be taken to dispose of the contents of the vacuum immediately after use. Bed bugs can live quite happily inside even the dirtiest of vacuums. Vacuum bags should be placed into trash bags, tied shut, and disposed of outside of the home. Bagless vacuums should have the contents of the canister disposed of and the canister washed. Steam is another very effective tool in bed bug management and can be implemented very effectively in a variety of situations to include mattresses and box springs.

High quality mattress and box spring encasements are also very effective and serve two purposes: a properly fitting encasement can be very effective at sealing in any bugs that may have escaped all of the other management efforts as well as protecting the mattress and box spring from becoming re-infested. Bugs trapped inside the encasement will eventually die from starvation and bugs on the outside of the encasement can easily be removed with mechanical methods such as vacuums. It is critical to use high quality encasements that have been specifically designed and tested for use against bed bugs. When purchasing mattress encasements, it is important that the encasements are both bed bug "bite proof" and "escape proof". It is important that encasements are installed correctly so that they are sealed completely, preventing the escape or entry of bugs. If the encasements become ripped or torn they must be replaced. Once installed, the encasements should not be opened or removed in order to insure that any bugs inside do not escape and are eventually starved. Remember, bed bugs can easily survive several months or more without food and in some cases have been observed surviving over a year without a blood meal.

Contact us today for a consultation!