Bedbugs, or more specifically Cimex lectularius in the northern climates and Cimex hemipterus in Florida and tropical environments, are becoming more frequent in recent times. The use of DDT after World War II almost completely eradicated this insect, but it appears to be making a residential comeback, especially in metropolitan high rise structures.

Bedbugs are non-flying insects about one-fifth of an inch in size that are brownish in color and resemble a tick. They enter structures in a variety of ways. They may be picked up on buses, and trains, in theaters, or brought into the home via clothing, luggage, bedding or firewood. Once inside, their favorite hiding places include mattresses and box springs (especially at the seams), other upholstered furniture, cracks in wood furniture, under loose wallpaper, and other small openings in the structure. Bedbugs prefer human blood as their main food source, although they will also feed on other mammals including birds, bats and your dog. Bedbugs can go without feeding for 80 to 140 days, and have been known to live as long as 550 days without a meal. Bedbugs are not normally considered disease carriers, but their bites can be annoying, and their spread can be moderate to rapid depending on conditions.

Infestations can be located with a thorough inspection.  This includes more than just bedding and discovery of the actual insects.  The fecal matter of the bedbugs, shed skin, and egg casings are all signs that can be detected.  Look around cracks in furniture, under wallpaper, behind picture frames, under baseboards and other loose moldings, and especially bed frames and bedding.  In extreme infestation cases, they have even been found behind electrical switch and outlet covers.

Management of bedbugs can and should involve a variety of methods:

The bugs do not respond well to cold temperatures, so removing contaminated items to the outside if temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit are a good way to kill them. Make sure that they are not in direct sunlight, as this may warm surface temperatures above 45 degrees. Also seal the items being removed in plastic to prevent migration of the insects to other uncontaminated areas during their removal from the structure.

Badly contaminated soft goods may need to be disposed of. Heed the above warning regarding sealing of the items prior to removal.

Cleaning is the primary method of eradication. Thorough vacuuming is essential for proper removal. Make sure that the vacuum cleaners are thoroughly cleaned out themselves after use. Using vacuuming equipment that has disposable collection bags is preferred, and following their removal from the machine, sealing the intake opening is required to prevent cross-contamination.

Wet cleaning with higher temperature water is also effective, especially with our Steamatic patented recirculating hot water extraction carpet and upholstery cleaning equipment.

Controlled demolition may be required to get to those "hard to reach" areas, which will then almost definitely require thorough cleaning also.

Chemical methods include spraying of residual insecticides, usually pyrethroids, paying particular attention to cracks and crevices where the insects may be hiding.  Thorough cleaning prior to application is a necessity to allow proper penetration of the products. Avoid using high pressure applications as these tend to disburse the insects.  Also, most insecticides are not to be used on bedding, so read all labels prior to use.  It is not unusual to both pre-treat major infestations prior to cleaning and then to follow up with another application after cleaning.

Of particular concern in any building is the migration of bedbugs (and any other infestation, for that matter) to adjacent rooms or units. Once an infestation is found, thorough inspection of adjacent rooms and units, not only next to, but also above and below, is essential to make sure the problem is contained.

Bedbugs can be a nuisance but they also can also be effectively controlled if proper inspections and techniques are in place for prompt response. Please contact Brouwer Brothers Steamatic for additional information and estimates if you are having bedbug problems in your residence or building.

Written by: Mark Cosgrove (Large Loss Specialist of Brouwer Bros Steamatic.)