Bed bugs go through five growth stages and require a blood meal to move to the next stage. They can survive for several months without feeding. Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 inch long, oval, reddish-brown, and wingless.
In Canada, different types of bed bugs feed on mammals and birds. The most common species, Cimex lectularius, prefers humans. Another species, Cimex adjunct us, feeds on bats and birds.
During the day, bed bugs hide and avoid light. They feed on exposed areas of humans at night and leave behind reddish-black spots on mattresses or nearby furniture after feeding. Bed bugs prefer to live on wood, paper, and fabric surfaces, and they can be found in mattress seams, cracks in bed frames, and behind pictures. They can quickly move to other rooms and be transported in clothing or luggage.
Mechanical control is essential in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for bed bugs because some items in the home cannot be effectively treated with insecticides. Mechanical control is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and does not require a specific time interval before people can re-enter the treated area without protective gear. However, it does not have a long-lasting effect, so re-infestation of bed bugs can occur.
Laundering and Drying with Heat
Using hot, soapy water for laundering and high heat for drying can effectively kill bed bugs on sheets, blankets, curtains, pillows, clothes, and other washable items. Alternatively, using a dryer alone at high temperatures for 15 to 30 minutes can eliminate bed bugs. Lower temperatures and cold water might not effectively kill bed bugs.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming effectively removes nymphs, sheds ``skins,`` and dead bed bugs. However, more than using a vacuum cleaner alone is required as it may not pick up bed bug eggs and some adults. Thorough vacuuming every day is essential, reaching all possible areas of the objects being vacuumed. After vacuuming, the contents should be emptied immediately. If the vacuum has a bag, it should be enclosed in a plastic bag and sealed before disposal.
Steam
Steam treatment can be used on items that cannot be treated with insecticides, such as couches, recliners, beds, and toys. Caution should be taken with steamers that have small heads or brushes, as they may inadvertently dislodge bed bugs from the surface onto the floor.
Chemical Control
Chemical control is a common approach for managing bed bug infestations. However, relying solely on insecticides may lead to insecticide resistance and may not be suitable for certain areas where bed bugs are commonly found, such as mattresses and couches. Additionally, insecticides cannot be applied to fabric items like sheets, pillows, blankets, and clothes.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs
IPM programs that combine chemical and mechanical approaches are effective in controlling bed bugs. Some companies recommend insecticide application in areas where bed bugs walk and rest, in combination with vacuuming and steam treatments, to avoid re-infestations. Approximately 300 products in various categories are registered for controlling bed bugs.
Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids
These are the most commonly used active ingredients to control bed bugs. They have low toxicity to humans and birds. While pyrethrins provide quick knockdown but little long-term control, pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides that are highly effective against bed bugs. However, bed bugs may develop resistance to these chemicals.
Neonicotinoids
Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides with low toxicity to humans and birds. They can be used on bed bug populations that are resistant to pyrethroids. Some insecticides registered for bed bug control are mixtures of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids.
Insect Growth Regulators
These chemicals mimic juvenile growth hormones in insects and usually kill bed bugs during the molting process when they shed their exoskeleton.
A biopesticide called Apprehend, based on the natural fungal disease Beauveria Bassian, has been registered to control bed bugs. This biopesticide contains fungal spores in an oil formulation and is applied in strategic areas where bed bugs will walk. The spores germinate and penetrate the bed bugs’ bodies, eventually causing their death. Beauveria Bassian is a fungus naturally present in the environment and is harmless to humans, pets, and furniture, but it cannot be applied to mattresses.
“A variety of unwanted bugs were finding their way into my house. Chris came to my house and took care of it. He was quick, friendly professional, and answered all of my questions. Totally worth it!”
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