Bed Bugs
Overview
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Characteristics
Myths and facts
What is being done about bed bugs
Where they hide
Protecting your work and home
Equipment and personnel clean up
Controlling and eradicating infestations
Characteristics
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There are 7 stages from egg to nymph to adult
Each stage requires a blood host to molt to the next
Humans are preferred host
Hosts can also include dogs, cats, birds and bats
Female lays approximately 5 eggs per day
Eggs are held in place on surfaces with a glue like
substance
Eggs hatch in 4 – 12 days
Life cycle
Characteristics
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Approximately ¼” in size
Do not fly but are adept, fast crawlers
Scatter when disturbed
Transparent apperance until they feed
Characteristics
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Can live for up to 18 months without feeding
They do not transmit disease
Bites can create an allergic reaction from their saliva
Bites may itch but not always
Scratching welts may lead to secondary skin
infection
Anesthetic and anticoagulant is injected as feeding
begins
Nymphs feed for 3 minutes, adults 10 – 15 minutes
Welts from bites
Characteristics
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Bed bugs leave tell-tale signs such as blood
stains near the bite site
Dark deposits (fecal spots) occur on sheets,
mattresses and walls
In severe infestations, a sweet, musty odor
from their scent glands may be present
Microscope enhanced
Myths
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Only “dirty people” get bed bugs
Bed bugs are only found in places like
homeless shelters and army barracks
Bed bugs are only a problem for low income
people
Bottom line: regardless of hygiene, financial
or social status or place of residence, bed
bugs can infest your home or work place
Facts
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Bed bugs were controlled, but never completely
eradicated in the USA after WWII
Many of the insecticides that were effective, like DDT
are either ineffective or simply not available any
more
Increased international travel, immigration and
import of goods has contributed to the spread of bed
bugs
What is Being Done
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United States Environmental Protection Agency is
considering allowing more pesticides to be used to
kill the bugs
Increased awareness
Increased education
Some places where they hide
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Seams of mattresses
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Cracks and creases in
furniture
Some places where they hide
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Behind baseboards
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Under carpeting
Bedbugs have also been found in
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Senior housing
Nursing homes
Apartment buildings
Hotels & motels
Schools
Churches
Movie theatres
Dorm rooms
Firehouses including vehicles
Protecting your home and
workplace
Protecting your home and
workplace
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Keep a vigilant eye for tell tale signs of infestation
such as sweet odor, feces, exoskeletons
Avoid wearing duty uniforms home at the end of your
shift
Avoid setting jump bags and other equipment on
floors and furniture. Use hard, flat surfaces when
available
Launder uniforms at work
Water temperature of 120○ F is known to kill bed
bugs
Protecting your home and
workplace
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Launder work bedding frequently
At work and home perform daily, routine
inspections of all mattresses, box springs,
couches, chairs etc.
After the call and clean up procedure
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Remember that bed bugs do not transmit
disease
Bed bugs prefer nooks, crannies, folds in
material, creases and seams
Bed bugs will rarely if ever stay on hard, flat
surfaces such as cabinet doors and walls of
the ambulance
After the call and clean up procedure
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“Clean up” should focus on routine
disinfection per department procedure and
visual inspection for signs of bed bugs
With the increasing prevalence of bed bugs,
crews should perform a routine tertiary
inspection for the bugs after each call
Procedure for known or obvious
patient infestation
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Notify your company officer that clean up
may be slightly extended due to the need for
a diligent visual inspection
Company officer should notify the shift
commander / battalion chief
Police officers who were on the scene should
be given a courtesy call
Procedure for known or obvious
patient infestation
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Cab, cabin and compartments
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Shine a bright flash light in creases of seats,
behind seats, behind radios, computers, etc. while
inspecting. Bedbugs are easily startled and this
may “flush” them out if they are present
Disinfect seats, radio, turn signals, door handles,
cables, BP cuffs, stethoscope, grab rails,
stretcher, etc. as usual
Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, pesticides,
or other chemicals
Use of RID
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The active ingredient in RID, which is used to
treat head lice, is also effective in killing bed
bug eggs
RID is available at most pharmacies/drug
stores and should be used after treating
and/or transporting obviously infested
patients
Controlling and eradicating
infestations
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Bed bugs are very difficult to kill
“Bug bombs” designed to kill flying insects only
scatter bed bugs
Treatment of homes and workplaces requires
licensed pest control experts
Multiple treatments may be required
Reduce clutter
Encase mattresses and box springs in plastic covers
Controlling and eradicating
infestations
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Store belongings, especially bedding and clothing, in
tightly closes plastic containers
Vacuum and empty collection receptacle daily
After travel, immediately wash all clothing
Be cautious when bringing used furniture into your
home
Never give away or accept used mattresses or box
springs
Dispose of infected furniture
Sources
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Centers for Disease Control
Illinois Department of Public Health
DuPage County Health Department
Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force
Bedbuginfestation.info
Thank you for this information!!
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Shelly Carbone, EMT-P/FF
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EMS Coordinator
Tri-State Fire Protection District