Bed Bugs FAQ

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Bed Bug Questions and Answers

1. What are bed bugs?

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

2. What do bed bugs look like?

  • 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

3. What are the feeding habits of bed bugs?

  • 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.

4. What is the impact of DDT and other Insecticides on bed bugs?

  • 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.

5. Why are bed bugs coming back?

  • Increased work 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.

6. How do I know if I’ve got bed bugs?

I see a bug

If possible, capture the insect. Take a piece of scotch tape and gentle place on top of the insect. Then place the scotch tape with insect onto a piece of paper. You can then put this in a envelope and give to your Pest Management Professional when they arrive for an inspection.

Bite marks on body

Some people are allergic to the salivary gland injection made by a bed bug and thus show “mosquito” like welts on their body where the insect has fed.

No visible bite marks on body

Not everyone is allergic to the bed bug salivary gland excretion, therefore, one person may show signs while a partner sleeping in the same bed at the same time shows no signs on their body, when in fact the bug has fed on them too.

Spotting on bed linens and mattress/box spring, etc

Bed bugs many times will defecate while feeding and thus leave dark fecal spots, (which is partially digested blood) on their host, mattresses, clothing, bedding, walls, ceiling and every place you can imagine in a room.

Odor in room

When an infestation is particularly large, the scent glands on the insect emit a “sickly sweet” odor. Do not use this as the only means of determining if bed bugs exist. The absence of this odor does not indicate there is no infestation.

Cited Literature
Mallis, A. 2004. Ectoparasites, Part Three: Bed Bugs & Kissing Bugs, Chapter 8. In: Handbook of Pest Control. 9th addition. Pg: 495-530.
Smith, E.H. and R.C. Whitman. 1992. Blood Feeders, Chapter 3. In: NPCA Field Guide to Structural Pests. Pg: 3.1.1-3.1.2.
Pinto, L.J., R. Cooper, and S.K. Kraft. 2007. Bed Bug Handbook: The Complete Guide to Bed Bugs and Their Control.
Getty, G.M., V.R. Lewis, Ph.D., and R.T. Taylor. 2008. Hot House: Control of Bed Bugs using Heat. PCT Magazine, February 2008.
Ishaaya, I., D. Degheele 1998. Insecticides with novel modes of action: mechanisms and application. 289 pages. Springer Publishing.