Bedbugs, revisited

Although we have discussed bedbugs in a previous post, it seems like a topic for frequent discussion. With bedbug populations growing each month, these pests have become a major problem for homeowners and property managers. The following is part 1 of a lengthy letter Centurion has sent to property managers who are dealing with this frustrating and expensive problem. The hope is that more information will help all our customers prevent a bedbug infestation. 

Up until the last several years, bedbugs have not been a significant problem in the United States. Prior to the mid 20th century, bedbugs were much more common. With the advent of chemicals like DDT and the "generous" use of such pesticides, bedbugs were virtually eliminated and for about the past 50 years very few pest control operators ever saw one. It was hard to get specimens to study because their occurrence was so rare. No one is quite sure why there has been a resurgence of this pest, but it is possibly a combination of more immigration from foreign countries with bedbug infestations, and the Integrated Pest Management practices that minimize the use of pesticides and other chemical treatments. In any event, bedbugs have returned as not only a major pest throughout the United States, but also one of the most difficult pests to treat.

Bedbugs are blood feeders, and prefer humans as their hosts, though some species of bedbugs feed on other hosts. They like to hide in any small hiding place or void that will give them access to the host. They can befound in the joints of furniture, on and in sofas, in the tufts and seams of mattresses (a favorite), in the construction of box spring mattresses, under baseboards, ini picture frames, in small holes in ceilings, in clocks, in light sockets, in bed frames (also a favorite), virtually anywhere they can find a place to hide. They are easily seen by the naked eye, but are flat enough to get through most small openings. This gives you some idea of the scope and of the initial inspection and treatment. Most of the time the bed has to be taken apart, and furniture with drawers need the drawers removed and inspected along with the cabinet itself. Every hiding place has to be identified and treated. What follows is what adds to the difficulty of treatment.

Each female lays about 200 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs are basically "glued" in place in a crack or crevice or other suitable place. These eggs resist chemical treatment and are very difficult to vacuum up. The eggs hatch and the resulting nymphs go through five stages before becoming adults, each stage requiring a blood meal. If conditions are optimal, this can be completed within a month and a half. If not, it may take nearly six months to complete this development. As adults they live about another six months unless food is not readily available, in which case they can survive up to about a hear and a half, waiting to feed.

Monday's blog will continue the discussion with part 2, control and prevention of bed bugs. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to avoid these difficult pests. To view an informative slideshow on bedbugs, click here.