Bedbugs

Bed Bugs are an opportunistic, parasitical pest that we are seeing more and more frequently in the U.S.  Due to their small size (only 4-5mm at adulthood) and even smaller in nymph stages,  their light coloring in nymph stages, and their preference of hiding in small cracks and crevices; humans transfer Bed Bugs from place to place on luggage and clothing very easily.  Many infestations begin simply by bringing your luggage and clothing home after a visit to a hotel room that has an infestation. And cleanliness isn't always a factor, these tiny parasites have been found in even 5 star hotels.  Once you have brought them home, they are equally adept at hiding there.  

Bed Bugs feed off of the blood of human or animal hosts and then return to their hiding places when the host becomes active or isn't present.  They sense that the host is present and still by the carbon dioxide which we exhale.  When carbon dioxide is concentrated in an area for a while; such as when we lay sleeping, or even sitting still for long periods; Bed Bugs come out to find a feeding source.  In many cases, the bite is not painful at first.  It may take hours or days for an allergic reaction to occur.  The Bed Bug may feed for up to 10 minutes at each bite and change position multiple times without your awareness.  Often the first clue that you have a Bed Bug infestation is a cluster of red, itchy bite marks on areas of skin that are exposed while you sleep. Some individuals are much more sensitive to the bites than others and some allergic reactions grow or lessen as the bites become more frequent.  Other signs are:

• small red or black spots on linens and mattresses where blood and feces from the bugs have dripped
• tiny cream colored eggs in dark crevices of mattresses or bed frames
• live or dead bugs and their clear skin castings in crevices and dark hidden areas

Very often, magnification is required to spot even a very heavy Bed Bug infestation.

The best way to avoid having a Bed Bug infestation is to be very cautious when traveling.

• Examine the headboard, footboard, mattress, and surrounding area, including nearby hanging art and nightstands, of any bed you will be sleeping in.
• Never place your suitcase directly on the bed, couch, chair, or hotel floor.  Use a wire rack or vinyl luggage shield if at all possible.
• If using hotel dressers, examine the crevices of drawers carefully.
• When returning home, inspect luggage before leaving, carry directly to laundry room and wash and dry all soiled clothing on hottest settings possible.  Dry ALL clean clothing on hottest setting possible for at least 20-40 minutes. Inspect shoes. Store luggage in closet away from bedroom after another thorough inspection (Bed Bugs can be picked up from other luggage in planes and cargo handling areas too).

Other ways you could get a Bed Bug infestation would include: bringing in second hand furniture that you haven't thoroughly cleaned and inspected, bringing in second hand clothing, luggage, etc…, having house guests who have picked up Bed Bugs in their travels, or having neighbors in adjacent apartments who have an infestation.