Bed bugs are making an unfortunate come-back, infesting everything from hotels to department stores. In July 2010, in New York City, both Hollister and its parent company, Abercrombie & Fitch, were forced to shut their doors after a bed bug infestation among clothing there (Second Abercrombie & Fitch Store in NY Hit by Bed Bugs). While the closings made headline news nationwide, bed bugs are not a new problem, especially in New York, where infestation reports shot up from 82 in 2004 to more than 4000 in 2008. But they are a growing problem, with reports around the U.S. up 71% since 2004. (National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
A Closer Look at Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, oval shaped, wingless insects, about a quarter inch in length, that feed on human (and sometimes other animal) blood. They feed at night, drawn to the carbon dioxide exhalations of their sleeping victims. While most who are bitten will never feel an actual bite, the insect’s saliva contains an anti-coagulant that can produce itching and swelling in sensitive individuals, and, like pollen or mold, sometimes trigger allergic reactions.
Research suggests bed bugs don’t spread disease through their bites, but they may host the organisms that cause hepatitis B (and Chagas disease in South America). Symptoms of bites are usually small itchy red wheals that sometimes occur in clusters of three, known as the “breakfast, lunch and dinner” pattern, indicating repeated feedings by one bed bug. Those who may be allergic to bed bug bites can also experience:
- large, itching wheals up to eight inches across
- blister-like skin inflammations
- hive-like skin rashes
Bed bug bites can be treated by washing thoroughly and applying a topical antihistamine or corticosteroid to relieve itching and swelling. Oral antihistamines may be helpful as well. But it’s far better to avoid bed bugs in the first place.
Controlling Bed Bugs
Bed bugs typically thrive in crowded, multifamily environments like apartments, hotels, cruise ships, hospitals and dormitories. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices, in wall outlets, along and behind baseboards, in and around beds, mattresses and linens. Infestations can be spread via luggage and pets. Bed bugs require humans for survival, but they can also live off rodents and birds, and may survive for up to six months without a host. Signs of severe infestations may include:
- tiny ink dot sized bed bug feces on sheets or mattress
- quarter-inch long reddish-brown discs of shed bed bug skins
- a sweet, musty odor
Bed bug infestations are usually controlled with deltamethrin, a common insecticide, but New York City bed bugs have proven uncommonly resistant to the poison. At the University of Florida, however, a new treatment has proven “greener” than fumigation and more effective – cooking mattresses and other furniture in portable ovens at up to 113 degrees.
To prevent infestations in homes:
- Clean luggage and clothing before bringing anything inside, if bed bugs were encountered – or even suspected – during travel.
- Clean second hand furniture before bringing it in.
- Change bed linens weekly and wash them in hot water.
- Vacuum weekly, especially around baseboards, beds and furniture posts.
- Caulk and chemically treat any cracks or crevices in the home.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic
Bed Bugs and Blood-Sucking Conenose. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Bed Bug Registry
Theresa Willingham - My goal, as a writer and photographer, is to create thought provoking and informative content that inspires community engagement, and ...
