What is a bed-bug?

The bed–bug is a true bug, but unlike most bugs it is wingless. The Latin name of the one which is of most concern to us is Cimex lectularius. The reason for our concern is that it is a blood-sucking parasite and humans are its host.

What does it look like?

It is an oval, flattened insect of about 4 to 5 mm in length and pale brown in colour although it will appear darker after a meal. The head is short and broad with two distinctive antennae. It has three pairs of well developed legs which allow it to move quickly.

Where does it live?

The bed–bug is closely associated with humans and will share the domestic environment throughout its life cycle.

Do you want to know more about its life cycle?

The life cycle if this insect differs from most insect pests, which tend to be egg – larva - pupa – adult. The technical name for the bed–bugs’ life cycle is “incomplete metamorphosis.” After mating the female will lay 2 -3 eggs per day for the rest of her life, which may last several months. The eggs will be laid in concealed places and are about 1 mm long. In average household temperatures these will hatch within about 10 days. The bed–bug develops through 5 nymphal stages. In each of these stages it resembles a smaller version of the adult. At each stage the insect becomes progressively larger until after its last moult it is a fully developed adult. The nymphs need at least one nocturnal blood feed to progress to the next nymphal stage and it takes about 6 weeks for this process to take place.

Health Significance

After hatching, each stage of the bed–bug’s development relies, exclusively, on blood for nutrition. Both male and female adult bed–bugs need to feed frequently and can take several minutes to complete a blood meal

Despite this, they are not natural carriers of any human disease. However their bite can cause considerable skin irritation, sleepless nights and there is the anxiety of knowing that bed-bugs are present.

How would I know if there are any in my house?

Bed-bugs are secretive, nocturnal creatures so, unless the infestation is very heavy, it is unlikely that you will see them.

Bed – bugs do give of an aroma which is described as a sickly sweet or an almond like smell but, as smell is such a subjective sense, you might not notice this. You are more likely to find small areas of blood spotting on bedding or see the spotted marks of their excrement around the places where they hide during the day

Control

The treatment of this pest is not a D.I.Y option. It will be necessary to call in the services of a professional pest controller. Our advice would be to select a contractor who is a member of the British Pest Control Association (B.P.C.A.) You should check the Yellow Pages to find your contractor under the listings in Pest Control If you live in rented accommodation, the landlord may be prepared to provide assistance.

There are some steps which you can take to reduce the extent of any treatment which may be needed. All advisory articles stress the value of household hygiene, as this will ensure the discovery of an infestation, which can then be treated at an early stage. The most likely hiding places are normally in the bedroom as this is close to their food source (you). Bed-bugs can be found behind the seams of wallpaper, in picture or furniture frames, in the mattress or under the piping surrounding the upper and lower surfaces of the mattress, in the bed frame and springs including within joints between the wooden bits of the frame itself and in electrical outlets. Effective control using pesticides will require insecticide to be introduced to all of these areas as well as the more general application of the pesticide.

A contractor who is a member of the B.P.C.A will provide you with all the details of the product which has been used and advise you of any additional precautions which you must take