1. The Hidden Enemy
By Eric C. Ratcliff

2. Bedbugs Are Back!
• Eradicated in the U.S. in the 30’s with DDT
• Brought back into U.S. by travelers &
foreigners
• Now resistant to DDT & other pesticides
• Spread by transients & others
• Carried from place to place
• May now be found in any public place,
especially schools & day care centers

3. Historical Perspective
• Evolved with man & adapted to human
habitations
• Bedbugs are mentioned in ancient Egyptian &
Greek literature
• Introduced to North America by colonists from
Europe

4. The Enemy Revealed!
Adult Bedbug

5. Adult Bedbug
Actual Size

6. Bedbug Nymphs

7. Bedbugs eggs

8. Bedbug Eggs

9. Identification – size & shape
• Adults oval
• Adults about size of apple seed (1/4”)
• 1st stage nymphs < 1/10”
• Flattened when unfed
• Swollen after feeding
• Eggs cylindrical & 1/32” long

10. Color
• Adult bedbugs are brown when unfed –
reddish brown after feeding
• Young nymphs are light brown when unfed –
red after feeding
• Eggs are off white

11. Bedbug Nymphs
Before Feeding After Feeding

12. Bedbug Life Cycle
• Female lays 1 – 12 eggs/day
• Eggs hatch in 6 – 17 days
• 5 nymphal stages
• Development from egg to adult affected by
temperature – 21 days at 86 deg F, 120 days at
65 deg F
• Live 12 to 18 months
• Need blood meal to breed & grow

14. Feeding Habits
• Nocturnal – hide during day & come out at
night to feed
• Feed only on blood – usually human blood
• Can feed on pets or other animals
• Sharp beak pierces skin
• Inject salivary fluid with anitcoagulant
• Adults feed 10 to 15 minutes
• Nymphs become engorged within 3 minutes

15. Bedbug Bite
• Bite is initially painless
• Allergic reaction in some people, i.e. welts &
severe itching
• Reaction may take 2 weeks
• No reaction in some people
• No evidence of disease transmission
• Can lead to anxiety & sleeplessness

16. Bedbug Bites

17. Nymph Feeding On Finger

18. Treatment of Bites
• Do not scratch – scratching can lead to
infection
• Wash affected areas – bedbugs defecate as
they feed
• Cortisone cream may be used to reduce
itching

19. Bedbugs
• Crawl, but not as fast as cockroaches
• Cannot fly, jump, or hop
• Tend to cluster together
• Able to hide in small cracks due to flattened
body
• May be seen during day if infestation is severe
• Prefer to lay eggs on rough surfaces

20. Bedbugs
• External – don’t live on body
• Usually found near food source, i.e. where
people are sleeping or resting
• Can travel relatively long distances to feed
• Not caused by bad housekeeping or hygiene
• Poor housekeeping will hinder extermination
or make it virtually impossible

21. Hiding Places
• Mattress & box springs, especially seams
• Couches, easy chairs, & other furniture
• Behind baseboards & under carpet
• Electric outlets & switch plates
• Drapes, wallpaper, & picture frames

22. Hiding Places
• Peeling wallpaper
• Light fixtures
• Clothing
• Toys
• Nicknacks
• Anything else you can think of

23. Signs of Infestation
• Live & dead bedbugs
• Shed skins & egg shells
• Black fecal spots
• Blood stains from crushed bugs
Blood Smears

24. Bedbugs On Mattress Seam

25. Bedbugs on Carpet

26. Bedbugs Behind Baseboard

27. Bedbug Treatment
• Inform landlord ASAP
• Strongly recommend licensed professional
• Licensed professional must be hired if more
than 4 units in one place
• Eliminate clutter
• Check all possessions for bedbugs
• Pack up as much as possible

28. Treating With Pesticides
• Residual insecticides w/ pyrethroids
• Available at hardware stores
• Not as effective as restricted use pesticides
available to licensed applicators
• Must be labeled for use on bedbugs
• Follow directions on label – don’t overdo it
• The label is the law

29. Treatment Methods
• No insecticides labeled for use on bedding
• Insecticides available for treating mattress
• Diatomaceous earth
• Beware of products sold on the internet
• Dispose of heavily infested items
• Killed by 120 degree heat
• More resistant to cold temperatures

30. Treatment Methods
• Wash bedding & clothing in hot water and/or
dry on high heat for 20 to 30 minutes
• Vacuum thoroughly – empty container or bag
• Remove and discard crushed bugs
• Steam heat for furniture

31. Treatment Methods
• Buy good quality mattress bags
• Check bed every day
• Use cups under bed legs
• Heat treatment
• Cold treatment
• Search & destroy
• Must be aggressive

32. Professional Exterminators
• Should treat every two weeks
• Once a month not sufficient
• Usually treat 2 to 3 times
• Will not treat if there’s too much clutter
• Cost of treatment between landlord & tenant

33. Bedbug Prevention
• Be careful who you visit & who visits you
• Check used furniture before bringing it home
• Check book bags & purses
• Avoid sleepovers
• Seal cracks & holes

34. Prevention When Traveling
• Check hotel/motel room for bedbugs,
especially mattress, box spring, & headboard
• Don’t unpack suitcases
• Place suitcases on rack
• After returning, check suitcases, clothing, &
other items before bringing inside

35. Tips for Home Care Visitors
• Don’t sit on upholstered furniture
• Don’t place bags on floor
• Don’t bring in unnecessary items
• Wear disposable coveralls & booties
• Check for bedbugs after visit
• Change clothes before going home

36. Tips for Schools
• Educate parents & kids
• Encourage personal inspections
• Keep eyes peeled
• Separate coat storage
• Prohibit book bags
• Use clothes dryer if available
• Keep infested kids at home

37. Licensed Applicators
• Recommend maintenance personnel become
licensed pesticide applicators
• Licensing by Ohio Dept. of Agriculture
• Pay fee, study provided materials, take test
• Yearly renewal fee
• Recertification every three years
• www.agri.ohio.gov

38. Regulatory Agency
• Regulatory authority is CCGHD
• Sanitarian investigates written complaints
• Will issue orders if appropriate
• Cannot provide material assistance or funds
• Can provide information & training

39. Resource List
• www.ohioline.osu.edu
• www.clermonthealthdistrict.org
• www.odh.ohio.gov
• www.centralohiobedbugs.org

40. The End