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Pest Name: Bed
Bug
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Bed Bug Photo
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Description
Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, are blood feeding parasites. They feed on
humans, chickens, bats and occasionally domesticated animals. Bed bugs are carriers
of disease such as leprosy, oriental sore, Q-fever, and brucellosis, but are not
known as a major cause spreading disease. After the development and use of modern
insecticides, such as DDT, bed bug infestations had virtually disappeared. Pest
management professionals have reported an increase in bed bug related complaints.
Homes, birds nests, and bat caves make the most suitable habitats for bed bugs since
they have warmth, areas to hide, and most importantly hosts on which to feed. Within
homes, bedbugs often live in cracks and crevices in walls, furniture, behind wallpaper
and wood paneling, or under carpeting. Bed bugs are usually only active during night
but will feed during the day when hungry. Bed bugs can be transported on clothing,
in luggage, or in bedding and furniture but lack appendages to enable them to cling
to hair, fur, or feathers, so are rarely found on hosts.
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How to Eliminate
Finding bedbugs is a challenge. Spray all cracks, floor to ceiling. If bed bugs
are located in bedding material or mattresses, control should focus on vacuuming
and cleaning - never put poison on your bedding. Also, caulking and removing or
sealing loose wallpaper, to minimize the use of pesticides. The effectiveness of
using steam cleaners or hot water to clean mattresses is questionable. Heat is readily
absorbed by the mattress and does no harm to the bed bug in fact the moisture may
produce favorable conditions for house dust mites. Pillows should be removed and
dry-cleaned or replaced. For severe infestations, however, pesticides may be used.
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