Description
Cimex lectularius - the bedbug, passes through an incomplete
metamorphosis. They have specially adapted mouthparts for
piercing and sucking blood. Bedbugs have worldwide
distribution and have been associated with human habitation for
many centuries.
Bedbugs are wingless insects with flattened oval shaped bodies
that are segmented, measuring approximately 5 mm in length as
adults, but the nymphs (immature) stages are smaller. Bedbugs
have six stout legs that enable them to move rapidly when
disturbed. They are pale brown in colour, which changes to a
red brown with a blood meal. Their head is short and broad
and equipped with a pair of prominent antennae and two dark
compound eyes. The sucking mouthparts are held close beneath
the head and thorax when not in use, and swung down into position
before feeding. Most blood feeding occurs at night, and
particularly in the hours before dawn. At daylight the
bedbugs seek shelter and become inactive while they digest their
blood meal.
The bugs stay in close contact with each other and conceal
themselves behind loos wallpaper, under the seams of mattresses,
floorboards and in crack and crevices of walls, paintings and
furniture. Bedbugs can survive for long periods without
feeding.
Biology and Habitat
Bedbugs depend on blood for their complete nutrition and
bloodfeed frequently where possible. They respond to the
warmth and carbon dioxide of a host and quickly locate a suitable
feeding site. At the commencement of the blood feeding the
host’s skin is held by the forelegs of the bug and pierced by the
mouthparts whilst injecting a small amount of saliva. It
takes five to ten minutes for complete engorgement. Each of
the five nymph stages requires at least one bloodmeal to moult to
the next stage. The entire nymph development takes six to
eight weeks. Adult bedbugs can live for six to twelve months
and each female, after mating, will lay two to three eggs a day
throughout her life.
These cream coloured eggs (1 mm in size) are cemented on rough
surfaces of hiding places, and will hatch within ten days at room
temperature, but longer if the temperature is cooler. Bedbugs
are not natural vectors of any human diseases, but can cause a
great deal of discomfort and distress to those who come in close
contact with them.
Importance
Bedbugs have limited powers of dispersal beyond adjoining rooms,
and their movement is dictated by the relocation of infected
furniture and possessions to a new environment. Initially,
minor infestations may result form the transfer, but the population
of bedbugs will rapidly grow if left untreated. Heavy
infestations are usually accompanied by a sweet sickly
smell. This is due to the scent glands which each bug
possesses that emit an odour for communication
purposes. Walls, bedding and other areas that are infested are
often marked with black and brown spots of excreta and excess
blood.
Control
Careful inspection of the infected premises should be undertaken
to determine the extent of the problem before treatment
commences. All possible hiding places within each room and
other adjoining rooms or premises should be explored.
Thorough and effective application of an appropriate insecticide by
a qualified pest control officer should provide total
eradication. Liquid sprays may need to be directed into wall
and furniture cavities.
Safety
All pesticides used by Bath & North East Somerset Council
are approved substances under the Control of Pesticides Regulations
1986 and are fully risk assessed.
