Bed Bugs 101 - Back to the Basics

Presented by

Gene White, B.C.E. Director of Education & Training

Cuyahoga County Bed Bug Task Force Fall Conference November 10, 2011

Bed Bugs

Presented By

Gene White, B.C.E. Rose Pest Solutions

Troy, MI

Cuyahoga County Bed Bug Task Force Conference

November 10, 2011

Hello Boys!!!

We’re Back!

Presented By

Gene White, B.C.E. Rose Pest Solutions

Troy, MI

November 10, 2011

Cuyahoga County Bed Bug Task Force Conference

Between The Sheets;

Bed Bugs Suck!

Presented by

Gene White, B.C.E.

Rose Pest Solutions

Troy, MI

November 10, 2011

Cuyahoga County Bed Bug Task Force Conference

Oh! Say can you see… any bed bugs on me? If you do, take a few…

cause’ I got them from you!

Bed Bug National Anthem

Cuyahoga County Bed Bug Task Force Conference

November 10, 2011

Presentation Overture

1. The Demise and Rise of Bed Bugs

2. Identification, Biology & Behavior of Bed Bugs

3. Program Strategies that work…

4. Inspection: professional visual, canine, & monitoring devices.

5. Education components: Who needs to know?

6. Treatment strategies: Advantages and Disadvantages for each.

The Bed Bug - Cimex lectularius The Ultimate Human Ectoparasite

Bed Bug Importance

• Financial & Legal Considerations

– Homeowners, tenants

– Associations…

• Physical & Mental Health Issues

– Human disease vector

– Sensitivity / inflammation / itching

– Nuisance / sleeplessness

– Secondary infections

– Loss of blood (8 ug or less)

• Public perceptions

– Brand Name Protection

“The Demise”

• In 1950, 5% DDT was the product of choice • In 1956, Malathion was registered for Bed

Bugs • Katz in 1957 reported BB resistance • Improved sanitation practices in modern

hotels • Modern appliances such as washers, dryers &

vacuums aided in sanitation • Change in furniture styles and materials

“The Rise”

• Bed Bug population dynamics

• International and national travel

• International package delivery

• Less general application of insecticides within structures…

• Inexperienced PMP’s in the area of Bed Bug management

• More & more hotels with longer and longer stays

• Revival of elegance in bed framing and furniture, etc.

• Cutting corners in sanitation as the result of “environmentalism” attitudes

– i.e. – not washing sheets for the duration of a travelers stay

Bed Bug Identification

1 2

3

4

5

Masked Hunter- Reduvius personatus Boxelder Bug- Boisia trivittata

Bed Bug- Cimex lectularius Leaf Footed Bug- Family Coreidae

Blood Sucking Conenose- Triatoma spp.

Bed Bug Identification

• 92 described species of Bed Bugs & their relatives worldwide

• 16 species are reported in the continental United States and Canada

• Three species are considered ectoparasites of humans: – The Bed Bug – Cimex lectularius (all 50 states)

– Eastern Bat Bug – Cimex adjunctus

– Tropical Bed Bug – Cimex hemipterus

• Mahogany Bug

• Mahogany Flat

• Night Crawler

• Red Coat

• Wall-louse

• Wallpaper Flounder

• Bat Bug

• Bed Louse

• Cloth bug

• Crimson Rambler

• House Bug

• House Louse

Alternate Names for Cimex lectularius, the Bed Bug

Bed Bug Identification • Color: pale yellow to mahogany brown • Shape: oval, dorsoventrally flattened • Size:

– Adults measure 3mm across and 5mm long – nymphs are as small as 1mm in length

• Mouthparts: piercing-sucking; rests in a ventral groove

• Antennae: 4 segmented, with the 3rd segment longer than 2nd or 4th • Wings: without functional wings • Legs: three segmented tarsi • Abdomen: segmented and highly expandable

• Special Note: In Bat Bugs, hair (setae) on the pronotum longer than the width of the eye

1 mm

Comparison Between The Bed Bug – Cimex lectularius (all 50 states) (L)

Eastern Bat Bug – Cimex adjunctus (R)

Bat & Bed Bugs Head & Pronotum

Bed Bug Biology

• Gradual Metamorphosis

Egg Nymphs Adult

Bed Bug Biology: “The Egg”

• 1mm long, white

• Operculate; having a circular rim and “lid”

• Eggs are laid in cracks and crevices where BB hide

• Female produces a cement and “glues” the eggs to surfaces (hatch side up)

• Eggs hatch in 6 – 10 days

• Humidity does not seem to affect egg hatch

• Temperature extremes below 55.4°F and above 98.6°F cause egg hatch failure

Bed Bug Biology: “The Nymph”

• At emergence nymphs are white to pale yellow

• Nymphs pass through 5 instars, each requiring a blood meal

• Completion of nymphal stages under ideal conditions is 35-48 days

• Nymphal stages may last as long as 156 days

Bed Bug Biology: “The Adult”

• Adult life span is six to seven months, but is known to live up to 1 ½ years

• Reports of a female BB living for 560 days without food at 44.6°F and 90% humidity

• Males inflict traumatic insemination of females

• Egg production is maximized at temperatures from 70°F to 82°F

• Female will lay 200+ eggs in her lifetime with repeated feeding.

Bed Bug Behavior

Bed Bug Habits

• Gregarious

• Ectoparasites: feed on the blood of mammals

• Nocturnal

• Peak Activity 2 – 3 AM

• Feed 3 – 15 Minutes

• Deposit feces on the skin while feeding

• Produce a specific odor

• Travel up to 100 Feet

Bed Bug Bites • Front legs grasp forward and hind legs

to the rear and sides with abdomen raised

• Stylets of the mouthparts are inserted:

– Anesthetic / vasodilator used

– Anticoagulant / anti-clotting agent

• Females take about 8 ug of blood

• No noticeable reaction in 31% of bite victims

• Inflammation / itching not common

• Sensitivity changes may occur

The Sensitivity Spectrum

Years of Age Bite Reactivity No Bite Reactivity

65 + 58% 42%

55 to 65 71% 27%

41 to 54 73% 29%

21 to 40 75% 25%

11 to 20 77% 23%

1 to 10 59% 41%

Potter, Michael F. The Sensitivity Spectrum. Pest Control Technology Magazine. Pgs. 71-74 & 100, Feb. 2010.

The Sensitivity Spectrum

Have you had symptoms besides bites?

Insomnia - Sleeplessness 29%

Emotional Distress 22%

Anxiety 20%

Stress 14%

Where were you bitten?

Arms 84%

Legs 75%

Chest/Back 50%

Neck 40%

Hands 40%

Feet 38%

Face 21%

Potter, Michael F. The Sensitivity Spectrum. Pest Control Technology Magazine. Pgs. 71-74 & 100, Feb. 2010.

Bed Bugs: The Perfect Insect for IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

• Inspection / Identification / Monitoring

• Evaluation / Recommendations / Education

• Treatment / Documentation / Follow-up

Bed Bug Program Strategies

1. Have a written plan of attack, a specific program for Bed Bugs… – Inspection / Identification / Monitoring – Evaluation / Recommendations / Education – Treatment / Documentation / Follow-up

2. Make and agree on a plan of action… 3. Communicate that program modifications may be

needed as new information unfolds 4. Educate & train the client & victims of the infestation 5. Follow-up and be proactive

Inspection & Monitoring

1. Visual

2. Canine

3. Monitoring Devices

Sculptured Ceiling in Bedroom

Visual Inspections for BBs

• Structure

– Cracks and crevices

– Wall fixtures; such as pictures, lights, etc.

– Wall voids

– Loose wallpaper

– Baseboards & decorative trim

– Window & door casings

– Electrical & switch plates

– Attics & crawl spaces

– Heating elements

– Pipe chases

• Bedding

– Seams and Tufts of mattresses

– Box spring (remove decorative fabric)

– Cracks and crevices of the headboard, footboard, and bed frame

– Pillows & pillow cases

– Bed covers, sheets and mattress covers

– Decorative items for beds

1

Visual Inspections for BBs

• Furniture & cabinetries

– Outside, inside and underneath (remove decorative fabrics)

– Disassemble elements furniture

• Electronics and decorative items – TVs, computers, clock radios, etc.

– Bookshelves, planters, pictures, etc.

What About the Dogs?

Canine Inspection

• What we want them to do…

– Indicate on Live Bed Bugs and viable eggs, but not on feces, cast skins and dead Bed Bugs

• 95% positive rate

– Indicate on Bed Bugs and not other structural pests such as cockroaches and termites

• 97.5% positive rate (field study)

– Detect viable Bed Bug eggs

• 90%

Pfiester, M., Philip G. Koehler and Roberto M. Pereira. Ability of Bed Bug-Detecting Canines to Locate Live Bed Bugs and Viable Bed Bug Eggs. J. Econ. Entomol. 101(4): 1389-1396 (2008)

Indicating

Advantages & Disadvantages of Canine Inspection

Advantages –BB dogs are trained to alert on one single viable egg, nymph, or adult. – Increased accuracy – A certified BB dog team will be accurate almost

always above a 95% rate. –Canine inspection is faster and therefore can cover much more area

than human inspectors.

Disadvantages

–The BB dog is only as good as the handler has been trained. –Dogs can sometimes have “off days” and are subject to cold viruses

and illness just like humans. –Dogs can be distracted by other odors and chemical compounds in a

structure –Cost for a canine inspection for a single home may be prohibitive.

Monitors & Detection Devices

Monitor Lizard

Monitoring Traps

Passive Monitoring Methods Active Monitoring Methods

Climbup Interceptors Homemade

Vaseline/Tape Bedbug Beacon NightWatch

Homemade Dry Ice

Cost $60 $10 $50 $400 $15

Ease of Setup Moderately Easy Moderately Easy Easy Easy Somewhat

Difficult

Ease of Use Easy Easy Easy Easy Easy

Requires Replenishment

No No Yes Yes Yes

Safety Excellent Good Good Good Ok

Accuracy Ok Ok Good Good Good

Biosensory Monitor

Bed Bug Beacon

CLIMBUPTM Insect Interceptor

CLIMBUPTM Insect Interceptor

Monitoring Devices

Advantages –Fairly small and non-invasive. –One time cost. – In heavy to medium infestations, confirmation is usually pretty quick. –Can be used for long periods of time after the removal of an

infestation as a proactive way to monitor for reinfesting BBs.

Disadvantages

–May be of poor quality, or have no reliable test data to support capture claims.

–Many variables exist for these kinds of products. Placement and proximity to BBs is very important for some of these devices to work.

–Not always pet and child proof. –Can be cost prohibitive, especially if they’re untried and do not work.

“Education should be at the core of any (Bed Bug) treatment program so all stakeholders understand that Bed Bugs exist, how to avoid them, how to recognize signs of an infestation and what to do if an infestation is suspected.”

Rick Cooper, BCE

Cooper Pest Solutions

Education

Education Essentials

• Basic Identification and Biology of Bed Bugs • Sanitation • Cultural Practices • Non-chemical methodologies that help prevent,

detect and manage BBs • Treatment Recommendations

Treatment Strategies

• Non-Chemical Methods – Physical Removal

• Vacuuming, brushing… • Removal of infested items

– Exclusion • Mattress covers

– Traditional Insecticide Treatments – Heat (steam & dry) – Cryogenics (cold) – Fumigation (lethal gas) – Controlled Atmospheres

• CO2, N2

Mattress and Box Spring Encasements

Traditional Insecticide Treatments

Traditional Insecticide Treatment

Advantages –Certain products provide a residual effect that maintains control

for an extended period of time. –Applications may be periodic in nature to lessen the chance BBs

can re-establish. –Cost effective for beginning or small BB infestations.

Disadvantages

–Not all living areas and items can be treated with all insecticides. –Cost are high because of the slow methodical nature and man-

hours of the job. –Residents that have sensitivities to insecticides may not be able

to have this type of treatment. –Poor choice of insecticide chemistry or application by the PMP

(missed treatment areas) can result in failure.

If Bed Bugs have one vulnerability -

it’s elevated temperature.

~Dr. Mike Potter, University of Kentucky

How Heat Kills Insects

• Dehydration (loss of water through the cuticle)

• Unfolding of Protein molecules and entanglement

• Physiological damage

Temperatures Required to Kill Bed Bugs Table 1. Mean percentage of initial knockdown and mean percentage of 24-h mortality ( SE) among bed bug adults exposed to five different temperatures for varying lengths of time.

Temp (C) (F) Time (min) % knockdown % mortality

(49) 118.4 1 100 100

(47) 116.6 2.5 100 100

(45) 113.0 3.5 100 83

(43) 109.4 25 100 100

(41) 105.8

100 100 100

ROBERTO M. PEREIRA,1 PHILIP G. KOEHLER, MARGIE PFIESTER, AND WAYNE WALKER. Lethal Effects of Heat and Use of Localized Heat Treatment for Control of Bed Bug Infestations. J. Econ. Entomol. 102(3): 1182Ð1188 (2009)

University of Minnesota Unpublished Data*

Temperature Time (minutes)

Adults Eggs

113 90 min 8 hours

118 2 min 90 min

122 0 min 0 min

1. Time versus Temperature Study 2. Threshold behavior and subsequent movement of bed bugs in

response to increasing temperatures through conduction. 3. Threshold behavior and subsequent movement of bed bugs in

response to increasing temperatures through convection. 4. Rate of penetration of lethal heat through mattresses,

upholstered furniture, exterior walls and other structural elements in two habitat types (apartment, house).

Kells, Stephen A. Key findings on bed bug behavior at lethal & sub-lethal temperatures. University of MN. www.thermalremediation.com

Steam Heat Treatment Steam Advantages

– Good for small areas where BB are infesting. – A useful tool where most or all insecticides are not

labeled for use, such as bedding. – Good mortality of all BB stages providing the application

is performed well. – Leaves behind no insecticide residue. Good technology

for bedding, etc,

Disadvantages

– Steam cools on contact and may not have the desired temperature to kill eggs if used improperly.

– May not reach hidden insects and eggs in deep cracks and crevices.

– Very slow methodical application subject to applicator error.

– Leaves behind no insecticide residue when they’re sometimes needed.

Dry Heat Treatment

Dry Heat Advantages

– Heat expands (it moves/transfers in several ways) to cooler areas. – Kills all stages of BBs. – Excellent choice where: 1) the population is high, 2) the infestation area is cluttered, 3) has

many places where BB can hide and lay eggs, and 4) where insecticides cannot be used. – Tenants can re-enter the treatment area shortly after the heat treatment is complete. – Controlled temperatures will not damage electronics.

Disadvantages

– Can damage items that have low melting points such as: candles, chocolate, etc. – Many items must be removed and then replaced after the treatment is made. This increases

the chance of reinfestation if inspections of returning items are not made. – Fire alarm and sprinkler systems must be protected from accidental trigger. – May require insecticides to be applied in certain areas where temperatures do not reach

mortality levels. – Depending on the thermal equipment used, there may be restrictions for the size of the area

to be treated. – May be cost prohibitive if the number of infested units (for example, multi-level apartments)

is high.

PackTite

Why Structural Heat Treatment?

Extensive Populations!

Heat Treatment Generator

Heat Treatment Equipment

Heat Treatment Preparation

Cryogenic (Cold) Treatment Cryogenic (Cold) Treatments Using cold to kill BBs will work under certain conditions. Because cold does not expand to make the surrounding area also cold, its penetrating capabilities are severely limited.

Advantages

– Mobility of the applicator is good – Good contact-kill mortality for all BB stages when

exposed to freezing. – No residue after application.

Disadvantages

– The potential to damage surfaces when cold is applied is greater.

– Will not penetrate into deep BB harborages. – Will damage electronics and like devices on contact. – Slow methodical application increases man hour costs. – No insecticide residue after application.

Fumigation

Advantages –100% mortality of all stages of BBs when used properly. –Penetrates all cracks, crevices and voids of a structure. –Very few items need to be removed from the treatment area. –Costs may be overall less for multi-dwelling situations (as compared to

insecticide and heat).

Disadvantages

–Costs for this service are very high and requires specialized technical expertise.

–Extensive preparation to the structure. –No insecticidal residue left behind to keep BBs from reinfesting the

structure in the future. –Cannot use this treatment technique for a single unit of any multi-

dwelling type of structure. –Occupants must be vacated for a period of time, usually 48-72 hours.

Acknowledgements

Rick Cooper, BCE Dale Hodgson, BCE Dr. Stephen Kells, BCE Bill Kolbe, BCE Andy Murdock, ACE Dr. Mike Potter, BCE Dr. Jim Sargent, BCE Mark “Shep” Sheperdigian, BCE Dr. Eric Smith, BCE

© Gene White

The End (Probably Not)