Craig Thomas Pest Control Inc

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Description

Most Americans under the age of 60 have never seen a bed bug. Until recently, they also were a rarity among pest control professionals in the United States. Bed bug infestations were common in the United States before World War II. With improvements in hygiene, and especially the widespread use of DDT during the 1940s and '50s, the bugs all but vanished. The pests remained prevalent, though, in other regions of the world including Asia, Africa, Central/South America and Europe. They are increasingly being encountered in homes, apartments, hotels, motels, dormitories, shelters and modes of transport. International travel has undoubtedly contributed to the resurgence of bed bugs and there is no country in the world that is exempt from the possibility of encountering bed bugs. Changes in modern pest control practice and less effective bed bug pesticides are other factors suspected for the recent recurrence. Description and Habits Bed bugs are small, brownish, flattened insects that feed solely on the blood of animals. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is the species most adapted to living with humans and is found throughout the world. It has done so since ancient times. Bed bugs are mentioned, for example, in medieval European texts and in classical Greek writings back to the time of Aristotle. Other bed bug species prefer to feed on wild hosts, especially bats and birds. Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 inch long and reddish brown, with oval, flattened bodies. The immature (nymphs) resemble the adults, but are smaller and somewhat lighter in color. Bed bugs are wingless so they do not fly, but can move quickly over floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces. Female bed bugs lay their eggs in protected areas near their daytime hiding places, depositing up to five a day and 500 during a lifetime. The eggs are tiny, whitish, and hard to see without magnification (individual eggs are about the size of a dust spec). When first laid, the eggs are sticky, causing them to adhere to substrates. Newly hatched nymphs are no bigger than a pinhead. As they grow, they molt (shed their skin) five times before reaching maturity. A blood meal is needed between each successive molt. Under favorable conditions (70 - 90 ° F), the bugs can complete development in as little as a month, producing three or more generations per year. Cool temperatures or limited access to a blood meal extends the development time. Bed bugs are very resilient. Nymphs can survive months without feeding and the adults for more than a year. Infestations therefore are unlikely to diminish by leaving premises unoccupied. Although C. lectularius prefers feeding on humans, it will also bite other warm-blooded animals, including pets. Bed bugs are active mainly at night. During the daytime, they prefer to hide close to where people sleep. Their flattened bodies enable them to fit into tiny crevices - especially those associated with mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. Bed bugs do not have nests like ants or bees, but do tend to congregate in habitual hiding places.

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