Bed Bugs and Their Habits

Scientific naming and distribution Scientific name: Cimex lectularius Common name: Bed bug Family: Cimicidae Order: Hemiptera (true bugs) U.S. Distribution: all states World Distribution: All temperate areas

• Broad, oval shape with a flattened body when unfed
• They do not have wings and do not fly
• They have a pair of antennae that have 4 segments to it
• Their feeding “beak” is usually tucked on their underside, is 3 segmented and used as a piercing and then sucking mouthpart
• Adults are about ¼ inch long and easily visible if out in the open

• All forms, except eggs, require a blood meal and thus feed on a variety of animals.
• Humans are a preferred host in many cases.
• Bed bugs feed mainly at night. Some research shows they prefer the hours of 2-5am.
• A single bed bug can inflict multiple bite sites when feeding, looking for a good blood source.
• Bed bugs first inject a salivary gland substance that numbs the area so their host (you!) cannot detect. their mouthpart puncturing your skin to siphon up a blood meal.
• Believe it or not! Bed bugs can travel 20-100 feet for a blood meal. So, even though you do not see them, they are coming from significant distances in a room to reach you.

• By 1950’s bed bugs were a seldom heard of problem, due to strong pesticides such as DDT. However, resistance appeared within a few years but, control remained effective due to other chlorinated hydrocarbons like lindane and organophosphates like malathion.
• Those bed bugs surviving via resistance however, continued to multiply and we are seeing these offspring and bugs as well as those not treated then.

• Increased world wide travel.
• Underground economy.
• Increase in secondhand merchandise.
• Changes in bed bug biology/habits.
• The public does not recognize the bugs or signs of an infestation.
• Pesticides today are less toxic.
• Pesticides today are less broadcast spraying oriented and more oriented towards baits.