270 likes | 603 Views
Re-emergence of bed bugs in the U.S. Abelardo C. Moncayo, Ph.D. Vector-Borne Disease Section Tennessee Department of Health. Historical perspective. Bed bugs have plagued humans for thousands of years Origin of relationship remains unclear Originally a problem for the wealthy
E N D
Re-emergence of bed bugsin the U.S. Abelardo C. Moncayo, Ph.D. Vector-Borne Disease Section Tennessee Department of Health
Historical perspective • Bed bugs have plagued humans for thousands of years • Origin of relationship remains unclear • Originally a problem for the wealthy • Enhanced by fire and heated homes • Present in literature as far back as 400 B.C.E.
Decline of bed bugs • Three major factors: • DDT use in 1950s • Improved vacuum cleaners • Changes in home construction
Current status • targeted pest treatments + bans, frequent travel have led to a bed bug resurgence in the U.S. • 300% increase in cases from 2000 to 2001 • 70% increase in cases in 2002 and 2003 • Orkin had a 20% increase in bed bug calls in 2004 • Reports of bed bugs in 43 states last year • Chemical companies are reluctant to enter the bed bug market because of failure to control • Difficult to detect, to treat, and often to identify
Family Cimicidae : The bed bugs • About 91 species in 22 genera • 12 genera only parasitize bats • 9 genera only parasitize birds • 3 species parasitize humans • Cimex lectularius (worldwide) • Cimex hemipterus (tropics) • Leptocimex boueti (West Africa) • Other species of concern (may bite people) • Bat bug (Cimex adjunctus) • Swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius) • Chimney Swift Bug (Cimexopsis nyctalis) • Question of origin • Humans in caves • Bats in homes
Cimex lectularius Bed Bug Cimex adjunctus Bat Bug Cimexopsis nyctalis Chimney Swift Bug 1 possible species Oeciacus vicarius Swallow Bug In Tennessee ?? Most likely 3 species
Identification • Adults 1/4 to 3/8” long • Brown to reddish brown • Oval shaped • Flattened • Beak-like mouthparts • Small, stubby, nonfunctional wing pads • “Obnoxiously sweet” odor BED BUG
Habits • External parasites that feed on blood • Humans are the preferred host ! • However - also feed on birds, rodents, bats, pets • Feed during the night with peak activity occurring just before dawn • Seek refuge during daylight in dark, protected areas • Prefer dry fabric, wood, and paper surfaces • Fast-moving
Injury • Painless bite • Reaction to the injected saliva (individual variability) • Swelling • Rows of welts • Severe itching (hours to days) • No conclusive evidence of disease transmission • Hepatitis B • Chagas’ Disease • Anxiety
Life Cycle Egg • Female can lay 1-12 eggs per day • Deposited on rough surfaces or in cracks and crevices • Hatch in 6-17 days
Life Cycle Nymph • 5 instars • Require a blood meal to molt
Life Cycle Adult • May live for 12-18 months • Total developmental time takes 21 days @ 86F and 120 days @ 65F • Nymphs and adults can survive for more than a year without Food !!
Prevention • Don’t bring infested items into the home • Inspect clothing and baggage of travelers • Inspect secondhand beds, bedding, and furniture • Exclude alternative hosts (birds, bats, rodents, etc.) • Caulk cracks & crevices in building’s exterior • Repair or screen openings
Integrated Pest Management(IPM) • Correctly identify the pest • Thoroughly inspect the premises to locate harborage sites • Encourage sanitary conditions • Apply insecticides to targeted sites
Inspection tips:recognize common signs • Blood stains from crushed bugs • Fecal spots • Shed skins & eggshells • Offensive, sweet, musty odor
Inspection tips:common harborage sites • Cracks and crevices • Mattress, box springs, bed frame • Window and door frames • Baseboards • Carpet tack boards • Electrical boxes • Wall hangings • Drapery pleats • Loosened wallpaper • Ceiling moldings
Sanitation • Vacuum mattress and premises • ** (dispose of vacuum bag) ** ?? • Scrub mattress seams • Dry clean or launder bedding and clothing in hot water - Dry on high heat. • Repair plaster cracks • Glue loosened wallpaper • Remove wild animal roosts and nests
Chemical control • Hundreds of products ‘registered’ for use on bed bugs in US • Formulations • 196 pressurized liquids • 90 ready-to-use solutions • 53 emulsifiable concentrates • 47 dusts • Chemicals • 196 Permethrin • 140 Pyrethrins • 12 variations of ‘-thrins’
Insecticides • Residual insecticides • Spot treat harborage sites • Dust formulations useful for wall voids and attics • Use only an appropriately labeled insecticide on mattresses • No insecticides are labeled for use on bedding or linens
Misconceptions • Foreigners • Poor • Homeless • Reports • Type O blood, etc…