Bed bugs are insects in the genus Cimex. These tiny insects feed at night, and their bites can cause rashes and allergic reactions. These small, reddish bugs may even produce prominent blisters. The symptoms of bedbug infestation may include psychological effects and allergic reactions. In addition to skin rashes, bedbug bites can cause noticeable psychological effects, like anxiety and depression. Read on to learn more about these irritating pests.
Adult bed bugs
There are many ways to get bed bugs, including bringing them into the home, picking them up in public places (such as a movie theater), and transporting them in luggage. Bedbugs are very resilient and can survive for up to 400 days without feeding, depending on temperature and humidity. During their life cycle, adults can survive without feeding for up to a year. This allows them to reproduce up to four times a year.
Adult bed bugs are approximately one-quarter of an inch long and reddish brown. They have long legs, antennae, and a segmented proboscis. The proboscis is used for feeding and the bed bug lies with its mouth open between its legs. The adult bed bug has several generations each year. These bugs are attracted to the blood of humans and pets and can survive in temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Immatures
Bed bugs are difficult to detect, because they don’t migrate far to feed and lay their eggs. In fact, female bedbugs can lay as many as 500 eggs in their lifetime if they are well-fed. They lay their eggs in the same places as their larvae. The bedbugs’ feces are typically yellowish and contain remnants of blood and digestion. A sweetish odor is sometimes present in areas where they are in high concentrations.
Immatures of bed bugs are similar to ticks. They are smaller and lighter-colored than adults. In fact, immatures are sometimes mistaken for ticks. They do not fly or jump, unlike their bigger cousins, but they can creep over surfaces to feed. Infestations can last for months without feeding. If you’ve discovered the bugs in your home, you’ll want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Common hiding places
Bed bugs can be found in many areas in your home, including your furniture, curtains, and mattresses. Bed bugs like to hide in upholstered furniture, as well as behind wall-to-wall carpeting. You can also check for them in the cracks and crevices of wood molding and baseboards. A typical bed bug’s body is oval-shaped, with two black beady eyes and six legs. They also hide on the baseboards, in loose wallpaper, and in the cracks of wooden molding.
Nightstand drawers are another common bed bug hiding place. This is a dark, cluttered space with easy access to humans. They also enjoy the warmth and moisture of dresser drawers. They also like family pictures, which they love to hide behind. Electrical outlets, such as in the bedroom, can also provide a hospitable environment for these tiny insects. You can also look for signs of infestation by looking for white eggs and dark stains on your sofa.
Insecticide resistance among bed bugs
Insecticide resistance is an emerging issue for pest management professionals, with recent studies pointing to increased resistance to pyrethroids and deltamethrin. The authors of a review of insecticide resistance have found that some of the most common bed bugs are also resistant to some pyrethroids. These insects can withstand direct spray applications of deltamethrin, as evidenced by some field-collected bed bugs.
The study used a 99% pure pesticide, l-cyhalothrin. The concentrations used were 6.6 x 10-6 and 6.6 x 10-3 for the Ft. Dix and CIN1 strains. These pesticides were applied to a filter paper disc of 2.27 cm2 and placed in individual cells of 24-well cell culture plates. A second set of cells was treated with acetone only.
Prevention
The prevention of bed bugs starts with ensuring that your bedding is clean and dry. Bedding that is stored against the walls is particularly attractive to bed bugs. To prevent the spread of these pests, cover the mattress with a dust mite-proof mattress cover. You can also seal openings and cracks with duct tape. Pesticides designed for bed bugs should be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Never use insect repellents that are also harmful to humans.
When checking your hotel room, it’s essential to look at all the corners and seams. Also, check any furniture near the bed. If you notice any rusty stains or dark spots on the bed, don’t hesitate to throw away the item. Likewise, if you plan to buy used furniture, it’s important to check it thoroughly for signs of bed bugs. These bugs are hard to detect without a flashlight.
Treatment
If you’re having trouble finding the bugs that live inside your mattress, you may be wondering how to get rid of bed bugs yourself. Treatment for bed bugs is possible, and it can be a lot less expensive than hiring a professional. To get rid of bed bugs for good, you need to learn how to effectively use different products. Here are some tips:
Treating bed bugs isn’t as easy as it seems. The bugs are small and hide during the day, so a single treatment may not be sufficient. You may need two to four treatments, either monthly or semi-monthly, to kill the bugs. Some people choose to use natural products, but these methods are not as effective as using chemical pesticides. It’s a good idea to consult a professional when you’re unsure of what type of treatment is right for you.
