Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite
By Laurine Brown, PhD

“Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite,” we would giggle as mom tucked us kids in at night. The ritual was oddly comforting. But like most nursery rhymes we grew up with (Humpty Dumpty who had a great fall, Jack who broke his crown) we were clueless to the hidden trauma in the playful jingles. Now, all grown up, I'm learning that bed bugs are for real. And, after nearly a half century hiatus, they are back biting in force worldwide in homes, dorms and schools, hotels, shelters, and even cruise ships. I hope never to snuggle up with one. But ignorance won't breed protection. What are bed bugs? And how can we keep them out of our beds without resorting to toxic chemicals?

Harvard and Cornell University are among the many groups offering helpful guidance about these tiny wingless reddish-brown insects. First, don't panic, they say. Yes, it's creepy that they bite us to feed on our blood. But, unlike mosquitoes, they are unlikely to transmit disease. At worst, they are a nuisance, leaving sore, itchy red welts on the skin that last a few days, and may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Bed bugs are nocturnal, feeding at night. This is probably why they nest in our beds, hiding in mattress folds and cracks of bed frames. Hatching from white eggs (the size of two grains of salt), they can be as small as a poppy-seed (in the nearly colorless youngsters) to a flattened apple seed (in the adult who is reddish after a blood meal). Evidence of rusty (sometimes dark) spots of bug poop or tiny eggshells gives clues to their hiding places. In heavier infestations, they may also be found in nearby floor, wall, and nightstand crevices. Sometimes there is an offensive, musty-sweet odor from their scent glands.

Infestations aren't usually a sign of poor hygiene or bad housekeeping. Bed bugs are most commonly found when occupant turnover is high (hotels, shelters, dorms). “Most experts blame globalization as the major culprit” for the resurgence, explains Ann Shepard of Cornell Cooperative Extension. “People and goods are traveling more widely and in greater numbers than ever before” and these tiny parasites can stow away in luggage and packages, hitch-hiking around the globe.

How can you get rid of bed bugs?

Know your enemy before you reach for poisons. Experts warn that insecticides are often riskier than the bugs themselves. The most effect control measures involve finding places where bed bugs hide in the daytime and cleaning them up well.

Search for signs of bed bugs. Inspect the bed frame, mattress, and other furniture for clues like eggs and bug dropping. Try to find live (crawling) bugs to confirm you really have an active infestation before considering treating. Try duct taping bed legs (sticky side out) to trap a bug. If possible save it in a jar and find a local extension or insect expert to correctly identify them.

Thoroughly clean infested rooms and adjoining rooms in the residence. Launder bed linens and clothing in hot water with high heat drying to kill bugs and eggs. Scrub infested surfaces with a stiff brush to dislodge eggs, and use a powerful vacuum to remove bugs from cracks and crevices. Dismantle bed frames, turn over furniture and remove drawers and shelves to inspect and clean all hiding spots. You can also tightly seal mattresses and box springs in zippered plastic covers, which keep bugs out or traps them inside where eventually they die. (Amazingly, bed bugs can survive up to a year on a blood meal.)

Move the bed away from the wall after thorough cleaning to prevent bed bugs from crawling onto the bed. Tuck in sheets and blankets so they won't touch the floor. In worst cases, smear petroleum jelly on bed legs to keep bugs from crawling up, or place bed legs into cups of water or mineral oil for a protective “moat.”

Reduce clutter to limit hiding places. Caulk and seal crevices in walls, window sills, along baseboards, and where pipes and wires penetrate to keep bugs out.

Lastly, if all else fails and pesticides are used, opt for the least toxic. Ideally, if an expert is hired for serious infestations, ask for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Request references, consult a few customers before signing a contract, and request a written IPM plan detailing methods and insecticides used. Though not advised, if you decide to treat yourself, choose a pesticide specifically labeled for bed bugs (usually pyrethroids), applying according to instructions to targeted hiding places. “Bug bombs” are not effective for bed bugs. (Caution: DO NOT USE ANY INSECTICIDE ON A MATTRESS, unless the label specifically discusses this, since most are nervous system toxins.) If you are a tenant, contact your landlord to agree on a plan. Generally, landlords are legally required to contract with a licensed pest control operator. Because bed bugs may spread through cracks in walls, ceilings and floors, inspecting adjoining residences is advised.

Be bug smart when traveling. In hotels use luggage stands to keep belongings off floors. You can check the sheets, mattress seams and headboard for tell-tale rusty droppings. Inform the manager and move rooms if suspected. On returning home, launder clothes, inspect and vacuum luggage (and keep in a hot car trunk for an hour to kill stowaway bugs).

Get educated. For more information:
o Beyond Pesticides - www.beyondpesticides.org (search bed bugs)
o Cornell Cooperative Extension - www.nysipm.cornell.edu (search bed bugs)
o Harvard School of Public Health - http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/

Now, sleep tight. And don't let the bed bugs bite.

References
1. Gangloff-Kaufmann JL, Pichler C. “Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities.” New York State Integreated Pest Management Program, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, 2008, http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/bb_guidelines/.
2. Jones S. “Bed Bugs.” Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, 2004, http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2105.html.
3. Khoury, K. “Bed Bugs: Back with a Vengeance.” Pesticides and You: A Beyond Pesticides Factsheet, Vol 26, No 4, 2006-7. Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against Misuse of Pesticides, http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/Winter06-07/bedbugs.pdf.
4. Klaus, C. “Bed Bugs.” Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, December 2008, http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/public/IthacaCampus/ExtOutreach/DiagnosticLab/Factsheets/BedBugs.html.
5. Mayo Clinic. “Bed Bugs.” Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, December 2007, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS00663.
6. Pollack R, Alpert G. “Bed Bugs-Cimex lectularius.” Harvard University School of Public Health, 2005, http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/.
7. Shephard AN. “The small and elusive bed bug makes a comeback -- from Paris and Rome to New York City.” Chronicle Online, Cornell University, May 14, 2007, http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/May07/bedbugs.as.html.