BED BUGS ARE MAKING A COME BACK

By Liz Delahey, Home Economist

Bed bugs were fairly common pests in the 1900s but after the Second World War use of insecticides and better spraying techniques seemed to eliminate them. However in recent years they've shown up in homeless shelters, hostels, dormitories, prisons, hospitals and five star hotels. Cases reported in southwestern British Columbia grew by 600 percent between 2003 and 2005.

Authorities suggest the resurgence is linked to changes in pest control practices as well as an increase in homelessness and travel abroad. Infestation is usually associated with poor housing conditions but the pests can also travel in luggage, old furniture or emerge from the walls during renovations.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are oval, flat reddish-brown crawling insects about 3/8 of an inch (5-7 mm) long. Because they cannot fly they must either crawl or be transported on clothing bed linens or in luggage. The female lays eggs, which are covered, in a gummy substance that sticks firmly to the mattress. They go through five stages and each stage requires a meal of blood. The bugs are most active at night. People bitten say it feels much like being bitten by a mosquito. It may result in a small itchy bump. While bed bugs do not spread disease the irritation of a bite may cause some people to experience sleeplessness, lack of energy or lethargy. They can survive up to a year without feeding.

Signs of Bed Bug Infestation

• Dark spotting and staining on sheets, mattress pillows and clothing from their excrement or blood from crushed insecrs.
• Molted skins, excrement and egg shells where the insects hide in mattress crevices or furniture.
• An offensive sweet, musty odour from their scent glands if there is a large infestation.

Checking for Bed Bugs

• Inspect bedroom furniture especially mattresses and box springs.
• Check under chairs, couches and dressers.
• Pull out drawers and check under bedroom lamps.
• Check cracks along baseboards, behind paintings and pictures.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs From Entering Your Home

• Inspect your luggage and clothing after trips to Asia, South and Central America, Africa and Europe o Vacuum your mattress regularly.
• Remove clutter to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
• Inspect second hand furniture before bringing it home.
• Repair cracks in exterior of your home and install screens to prevent birds or rodents serving as bed bug hosts inside your home.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Non-chemical methods:

• Wash bedding and clothing in hot water with detergent.
• In colder climates, puting mattresses, blankets, sheets and pillows outside to freeze thoroughly kills bed bugs, mites and scabies.
• Freeze delicate clothing in a bag for several days.
• Vacuum bed, box spring and mattress often using strong suction.
• Use a scrub brush to remove eggs and bugs from the seams and crevices in the mattress.
• Place stuffed toys in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes

Chemical methods:

• Choose a product specifically recommended for bed bugs and follow directions carefully.
• Hire a professional pest control company for a major infestation or if you live in a multi-unit building. More than one treatment may be required.

Sources:

British Columbia Ministry of Health, BCHEalthFiles

University of Toronto Public Affairs