Control Measures Bed Bug Division
Detection
A critical first step is to correctly identify the blood-feeding pest, as this determines which management tactics to adopt that take into account specific bug biology and habits. For example, if the blood-feeder is a bat bug rather than a Bedbug, a different management approach is needed.
Control of Bedbugs is best achieved by following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that involves multiple tactics, such as preventive measures, sanitation, and chemicals applied to targeted sites. Severe infestations usually are best handled by a licensed pest management professional.
Prevention
Do not bring infested items into one's home. It is important to carefully inspect clothing and baggage of travelers, being on the lookout for Bedbugs and their tell-tale fecal spots. Also, inspect secondhand beds, bedding, and furniture. Caulk cracks and crevices in the building exterior and also repair or screen openings to exclude birds, bats, and rodents that can serve as alternate hosts for Bedbugs.
Inspection
A thorough inspection of the premises to locate Bedbugs and their harborage sites is necessary so that cleaning efforts and insecticide treatments can be focused. Inspection efforts should concentrate on the mattress, box springs, and bed frame, as well as crack and crevices that the Bedbugs may hide in during the day or when digesting a blood meal. The latter sites include window and door frames, floor cracks, carpet tack boards, baseboards, electrical boxes, furniture, pictures, wall hangings, drapery pleats, loosened wallpaper, cracks in plaster, and ceiling moldings. Determine whether birds or rodents are nesting on or near the house.
In hotels, apartments, and other multiple-type dwellings, it is advisable to also inspect adjoining units since Bedbugs can travel long distances.
Sanitation
Sanitation measures include frequently vacuuming the mattress and premises, laundering bedding and clothing in hot water, and cleaning and sanitizing dwellings. After vacuuming, immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag, seal tightly, and discard in a container outdoors-this prevents captured Bedbugs from escaping into the home. A stiff brush can be used to scrub the mattress seams to dislodge Bedbugs and eggs. Discarding the mattress is another option, although a new mattress can quickly become infested if Bedbugs are still on the premises. Steam cleaning of mattresses generally is not recommended because it is difficult to get rid of excess moisture, which can lead to problems with mold, mildew, house dust mites, etc.
Repair cracks in plaster and glue down loosened wallpaper to eliminate Bedbug harborage sites. Remove and destroy wild animal roosts and nests when possible.
Trapping
After the mattress is vacuumed or scrubbed, it can be enclosed in a zippered mattress cover such as that used for house dust mites. Any Bedbugs remaining on the mattress will be trapped inside the cover. Leave the cover in place for a year or so since Bedbugs can live for a long time without a blood meal.
Sticky traps or glueboards may be used to capture Bedbugs that wander about. However, the effectiveness of these traps is not well documented.
Insecticides
Residual insecticides (usually pyrethroids) are applied as spot treatments to cracks and crevices where Bedbugs are hiding. Increased penetration of the insecticide into cracks and crevices can be achieved if accumulated dirt and debris are first removed using a vacuum cleaner. Avoid using highly repellent formulations, which cause Bedbugs to scatter to many places. Dust formulations may be used to treat wall voids and attics. Repeat insecticide applications if Bedbugs are present two weeks after the initial treatment since it is difficult to find all hiding places and hidden eggs may have hatched.
Do not use any insecticide on a mattress unless the product label specifically mentions such use. Note that very few insecticides are labeled for use on mattresses. If using an appropriately labeled insecticide on a mattress, take measures to minimize pesticide exposure to occupants. Apply the insecticide as a light mist to the entire mattress, opening seams, tufts, and folds to allow the chemical to penetrate into these hiding areas. Allow the treated surface to completely dry before use. Do not sleep directly on a treated mattress; be sure bed linens are in place. Do not treat mattresses of infants or ill people. Alternatives to using an insecticide on a mattress are discussed in the 'Sanitation' and 'Trapping' sections.
No insecticides are labeled for use on bedding or linens. These items should be dry cleaned or laundered in hot water and dried using the "hot" setting.
Other Information
- » Fox News, 15 January 2007: "Lawyer Sues London Hotel, Claims Bedbugs Attacked Him, Wife"
- » Pest Control Magazine, 1 January 2007: "Are Bedbug Dogs Up to Snuff?"
- » Bed Bugs and Blood-Sucking Conenose
- » University of Kentucky EntFacts Information Sheet on bedbugs
- » Shawn E. Brooks, University of Florida - Bed Bug Summary
