   Learn to Identify Bed Bugs - January 19, 2011 Jeff Schalau, Associate Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County By now, we’ve all heard about the increasing occurrence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) in the industrialized world. Scientists believe this is partly due to their growing resistance to pyrethrin-based insecticides licensed for indoor use. This occurs after insect populations are repeatedly exposed to a particular pesticide. Any exposed survivors are assumed to have some resistance to the pesticide and they breed with other survivors making them increasingly resistant to the pesticide used. We have known about pesticide resistance for decades and the solution is to utilize a broad range of management strategies which include varying the type of pesticide used and incorporating non-pesticide management strategies whenever possible. For managing bed bugs, pest control operators have started using bed bug–sniffing dogs to locate them and heat treatment to kill them. Pesticides are also used, but in conjunction with other methods. This is called “integrated pest management” or IPM and it can and should be applied to all pest management situations. Scientists are also realizing that bed bug infestations cannot be managed by simply applying technology. Everyone needs to learn to recognize bed bugs and their telltale signs if they are to be properly managed. Contrary to popular belief, they can be in any lodging – be it a posh resort or discount motel. Here, they can enter your luggage or other items and hitchhike home with you or to the next hotel. They can also be in used beds, bedding, furniture and other items we may bring into our homes. Most entomologists I know strip the bed sheets and inspect cracks and crevices before moving into a motel/hotel room. Some also place their luggage in the bathtub as this is an unlikely place for bed bugs to be harbored. Those folding luggage stands are a good idea, but they can also harbor bed bugs or allow them to enter your luggage if it is in contact with the wall or floor. Most hotels and motels are hyper-aware of the bed bug issue and will take action and provide refunds when bed bugs are positively identified. However, the average person may not have the knowledge and/or experience to correctly identify them. In the course of my duties as a County Extension Agent, I have identified bed bugs in Yavapai County on multiple occasions. There are also other similar appearing Cimex species (there are over 100) that parasitize birds and bats. These insects will also feed on humans and pets in the absence of their preferred hosts. In brief, bed bug eggs are about 1/32 inch across. Adults are brown, wingless, flattened and about 3/8 inch long. Immature bed bugs are about 1/8 inch long and cream colored until they have had a blood meal. Bed bug excrement is black or brown and the size of sand grains. However, to better recognize them, you really need to look at photos and learn to recognize their telltale signs. In addition, it is difficult to identify bed bugs just by looking at bites. You really need to capture the insect in a jar or sealable plastic bag and bring it to an Extension office or other knowledgeable authority. Below, I have provided links to publications that show bed bug eggs, immature and mature insects, excrement, and other forms of evidence. It is critically important to learn to identify them – especially if you travel frequently. If you have encountered bed bugs during a trip, unpack outdoors, bag infested clothing and bedding before you put it in your vehicle or enter your home, and place it directly in a washer and/or dryer. Your luggage can be shaken out, vacuumed, heat treated, or laundered depending on the materials. You may also want to know about a website called The Bedbug Registry (bedbugregistry.com). This site allows users to enter observations and anecdotal information about bed bug encounters – real or perceived. Many of the entries are from customers reporting on their lodging experiences. It also allows proprietors and pest control companies to respond to the entries in a “blog” format. While some of the information may be erroneous, you can read it, consider the source, and make your lodging decision accordingly. Follow the Backyard Gardener on Twitter – use the link on the BYG website (see link below). If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 ext. 14 or e-mail us at cottonwoodmg@yahoo.com and be sure to include your name, address and phone number. Find past Backyard Gardener columns or provide feedback at the Backyard Gardener web site: http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/. Bed Bugs (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Factsheet) www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp Bed Bugs (Texas A & M Extension Service Factsheet) insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/l-1742.html Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs in Residences (University of Minnesota Extension Factsheet) www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1022.html  |