BED BUGS
Information Session for Trades
People & Service Personnel
Date:
Bed Bugs
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Evidence dates back to caveman days
Parasite of man
Resurgence in first world countries
Resilient pest – resistance to pesticides
No simple quick fix
Integrate Pest Management – Best practice
Why the Sudden Resurgence in Bed Bugs?
This is likely due to a number of factors:
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Lack of public awareness
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International travel
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Bed bug resistance to insecticides
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Changes in pest management practices
Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) 101
Insect Identification
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Mahogany brown in colour before feeding
Reddish brown in colour after feeding
Eggs are pear-shaped and whitish in colour
Excrement when sprayed with water will turn red
Life Cycle
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Each female can produce about 200 eggs
Eggs attach onto surfaces
Eggs hatch within 10 days to 14 days
Adult bed bugs can survive for more than a year
without feeding
• All stages (except for eggs) feed on blood of the host
Social Impact
Bed Bugs Severely Impact the Most Vulnerable:
• The frail elderly
• Those living with physical and mental challenges
• Those living in poverty
• Those struggling with dependency / addiction issues
• The homeless and hard to house
A Health “Hazard”?
• Most people do not experience any adverse
physical health reactions to bed bugs
• Bed bugs do not transmit diseases to humans
• Bed bugs are a fairly common “harmless” pest in
the third world
A Health Issue
• Bed bugs do feed off the blood of humans
• A bite tends to cause a mild reddish localized inflammation and
often disappears in 24 hours
• Secondary infections caused by scratching
• Allergic reactions (not very common)
• Psychological impacts can be severe – shame / withdrawal /
impact on pre-existing mental and physical conditions
• Most vulnerable cannot deal with bed bugs
• They can spread quickly to entire building communities
A Health Issue
A Health Issue
What You Should Know
• Anyone, anywhere can get bed bugs. Be vigilant
• Avoid sitting on or leaning against soft upholstered
furniture or beds
• All equipment should be placed on hardened
surfaces, such as tiled or hardwood floors
• Tyvek® knee-high booties can also be worn over
shoes or boots
If you enter a property and suspect
that it is infested with bed bugs…
• Immediately inform the property owner, landlord,
superintendent, or property manager
• After leaving, carefully inspect all equipment and clothing. Place
in plastic bags as an extra precaution
• Clothing can be placed in a dryer set on high for 30 minutes
• Use a HEPA vacuum for items that can’t be placed in dryer
• In the event your vehicle or workplace becomes infested,
contact a licensed pest control expert
What NOT to do
• Do not try to treat bed bugs yourself, or spray
pesticides on vehicles, equipment or clothing
• Do not take clothing or equipment suspected of
having bed bugs into another building or vehicle
What is Integrated Pest Management
(IPM)
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Integrated Pest Management is the coordinated use of pest and environmental
information with available pest management methods...
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To prevent unacceptable levels of pest infestation or damage
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By the most economical means
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With the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment (EPA 2010)
IPM
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IPM is the most effective approach to prevent and manage bed bug infestations
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An IPM program places emphasis on prevention because it uses all necessary
methods while minimizing the risk of pesticide exposure to occupants and
safeguarding the indoor environment
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IPM programs will only work when there is a strong commitment by the resident, pest
management service providers, property owners and support agencies (e.g. agencies
that assist seniors, people in low income housing, persons with disabilities, and those
agencies that promote public health etc.)
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An IPM program requires all parties to maintain their responsibilities to ensure the
continuity of a successful program
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An IPM program includes prevention through education and awareness
IPM
An IPM program for bed bug management includes the following:
1. Planning the IPM program, preferably before there is a bed bug problem
2. Educating everyone and raising awareness of bed bug habits, including where bed
bugs can hide, the need to reduce clutter and proper disposal of untreatable items with
an emphasis on prevention
3. Identifying the pest correctly
4. Inspecting all living areas for potential or suspected infestations
5. Keeping records, including when and where pests are found
6. Preparing for treatment
7. Performing treatments using several methods, including physically removing bed
bugs, steam treatment or use of pesticides according to label directions
8. Evaluating the IPM program and following up with inspections and additional
management procedures if necessary
For More Information
• To learn more about bed bugs, and what you can do
to prevent, identify and treat them, visit:
– www.bedbugsinfo.ca
– Contact your local public health unit – visit:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phulo
c_mn.html