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Bites and Stings Links:
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Bedbugs
Bedbugs, that pest from the old bedtime rhyme (Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite), are increasingly becoming a problem within residences of all kinds, including homes, apartments and hotels. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), their member pest control companies are receiving 50 times more bedbug calls a year over the last five years (1). The Orkin Pest Control Company says that bedbugs have not been much of an issue over the past 50 years, but now the company frequently treats bedbugs in almost every state. So what are these pests, why are they back and how can you keep your kids safe from them?
What are bedbugs?
Bedbugs are small insects that invade living spaces and feed upon warm-blooded animals and humans.
Bedbugs do not have wings, but they can quickly dart across floors, furniture, walls and ceilings.
Bedbugs spread quickly, partly due to the fact that a female bedbug can lay up to five eggs a day. This means she can lay more than 500 eggs in her lifetime (2).
Bedbugs are also extremely hardy and can live without eating for up to a year. They can also weather extreme hot and cold temperatures (1).
Why are bedbugs back now? Many factors have contributed to the rise in bedbug invasions, including increased international travel, weaker insecticides and improper treatment of existing infestations (1).
What do bedbugs look like?
Baby bedbugs can be as small as a poppy seed. Adult bedbugs can grow up to a 1/4 of an inch. Their color ranges from a light tan to a reddish brown. People who have never seen a bedbug may think it is a small roach or a tick.
Are bedbugs just in beds?
Bedbugs are not just in beds. They can invade a variety of surfaces, including sofas, pillows, clothing, furniture surfaces and corners.
What health problems can a bedbug cause a child or an adult?
Bedbugs feed on any bare skin exposed while sleeping. A person may not feel the bite right away, but as the bedbug feeds, it injects saliva into the skin, which often causes an allergic reaction.
While some individuals have a severe reaction to the bites, most people only experience a minor irritation.
Even though bedbug bites can be uncomfortable, research has not been able to prove that bedbugs transmit diseases.
How can bedbug bites be treated?
- Wash the effected area with warm, soapy water.
- Apply anti-itch cream (e.g., Benadryl or Hydrocortisone cream).
- Don’t scratch to avoid infection!
What do I do if I believe my family is being exposed to bedbugs?
Follow these steps if you suspect that your family is being exposed to bedbugs:
1. Know what to look for: Search for signs of an infestation (e.g., dark-brown or reddish fecal spots on sheets, mattresses, or walls) (See photo Bedbug 2). Bedbugs like to live in crevices, corners and folds of fabric. When you find an insect, put it in a container and take it to an entomologist who can help you identify it. It is important to confirm the type of insect before you begin treating the area with pesticides. Otherwise you might use the wrong type of treatment.
2. Know how to remove bedbugs: Once you confirm that you have bedbugs in your home, thoroughly vacuum beds, mattresses, carpets, etc. Be sure to vacuum in all cracks and crevices in the room. Next, use a high heat to wash exposed sheets, bedding, curtain and clothing. If possible, throw away the infested mattress. If you cannot throw the mattress away, seal it with a mattress pad.
3. Consult with a licensed exterminator: Contact a licensed pest control company to help you get rid of your bedbug problem. They can advise you on the safest, most effective treatment for bedbug removal.
What can parents do to protect their families from bedbugs?
To prevent bedbug exposures, here are several tips for parents:
1. Be proactive in searching for bedbugs when you first arrive in a hotel room.
2. Always be sure to check your luggage and clothing after returning home from a trip.
3. Do not bring used furniture into your home without a proper inspection from you or an expert.
4. Make it a habit to inspect areas in your home that might be susceptible to an infestation.
Sources:
1. National Pest Management Association (NPMA) at http://www.pestworld.org. Accessed 1/25/08, 1/28/08
2. University of Kentucky Entomology at http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp. Accessed 1/29/08.
3. Harvard School of Public Health at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs. Accessed 1/28/08.
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