Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite

Written by Dusana Bondy - Abell Pest Control
Quality Assurance Department

Atention all Property Management Professionals– be on the look out for a small circular brown insect that is known to regularly suck bug from any mammal. The host and blood type do not come into account for this nuisance creature whose tastes are typically indiscriminant. They are usually not found alone, but instead travel in un-organized groups coming out during the wee hours of the night when their prey is fast asleep. These 6-legged Ectoparasites are commonly referred to as the; terrors in the dark, red coats, chinches, crimson ramblers, mahogany flats, wall louse, house bugs, kissing bugs and finally the bed bugs.

Whatever you want to call it, this is one uninvited guest with which there should be no vacancy! Bed bugs have made an unwelcome return to all levels of society over the last few years. This resilient pest was virtually eliminated from the pest control industry radar screen after World War II thanks in part to the widespread use of DDT. Property Management Professionals face several challenges along with their Pest Control Providers when dealing with these structure-infesting pests.

Teamwork between the two parties involved is essential. Control can be difficult due to their habits of hiding in the most unusual places such as (but not limited to); personal property of resident, floor boards, ceilings, wallpaper, picture frames, switch plates, bedding and furniture. Considering bed bugs can withstand twice the gamma radiation it takes to kill a cockroach, prevention and early detection should be every Property Managers focus. Visually inspect for live bed bug activity especially around the bed and bed frame. Blood spots can also be evident on sheets due to their feeding habits. A possible sweet, musty odour may be present in the room in severe cases.

Bed bugs will travel between 10-100’ for a blood meal. Once detected, it is recommended the area be prepared for treatment along with the rooms above, below and on either side. This is not a marketing scheme. These insects readily move through wall voids and along electrical wires searching for a blood meal. Due to the great distances traveled, this thorough coverage is a crucial aspect of control. Bed bugs usually bite people at night while they are sleeping. They feed by piercing the skin with an elongated beak through which they withdraw blood.

Engorgement takes about 3 to 15 minutes, yet the person seldom knows they are being bitten. Symptoms thereafter vary with the individual. Many people develop an itchy red welt or localized swelling, which sometimes appears a day or so after the bite. Others have little or no reaction. Unlike fleabites, which occur mainly around the ankles, bed bugs feed on any bare skin exposed while sleeping (face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, etc.).