How can you tell if bed bugs are living in your place? Are you looking for an answer on how you will prevent bed bug infestation? Searching on how to treat bed bug bites and how to exterminate them? Bed bug insects are one of the common household pest problems experienced by every homeowner. Understanding the characteristics of bed bugs will help you manage and stop them from entering your home.
There are five common signs that you need to know if bed bugs are already infesting your place. The bite mark, blood stains, dark spots on your bedding, shed skin, or exoskeleton are caused by molting nymphs and musty odors from bed bug scent glands. Symptoms of their bites include itching, redness, swelling, blisters or rash, and secondary infections that you will get from scratching too much on bed bug bites.
If you get bitten by a bed bug insect, there are natural treatments, home remedies, and over-the-counter that you can use. These treatments are budget-friendly and easy to find anywhere in kitchens, gardens, convenience stores, and pharmacies. These treatments are effective in relieving symptoms of bed bug bites. Additionally, some natural treatments promote healing effects.
There are several exterminating strategies you can choose to use to get rid of bed bug pests. These methods include using essential oils, chemicals, encasement, bed bug traps that can be combined with any treatment strategies, diatomaceous earth that helps in dehydrating bed bugs, and heat and cold methods. Choosing the right treatment depends on how bad and big the infestation is in your place.
Our article aims to help you understand the signs, symptoms, treatment, and how to exterminate bed bug pests.
BED BUG INSECT
The genus name “cimex” comes from the Greek word “kimos,” which means “bedbug.” There are two species of bed bug, the “Cimex Lectularius,” the common bed bug, and the “Cimex Hemipterus,” the tropical bed bug. The Cimex Lectularius can thrive in cooler environments, around 65-75°F or 18-24°C, making it common in places with regulated indoor heating. While Cimex Hemipterus prefers warmer temperatures and is more active in areas with high humidity and heat
These pests are six-legged with two antennae that suck blood during nighttime. Bed bug uses its piercing-sucking mouthparts to draw blood from its host. Bed bugs were almost completely exterminated in developed nations after World War II, but since the 1990s, infestations have started to grow, and they are now massively spreading around the globe. They are usually found in tropical environments like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South American countries.
Bed bugs tend to hide in small holes, cracks, and crevices, especially in sleeping areas where their host is near and can not easily be found. Additionally, hiding in these areas helps them stay away from their predators. These human parasites are attracted to warm environments that include the carbon dioxide and heat body temperature of a sleeping person.
These micro predators have three life stages: Eggs, Nymph, and adulthood. The Nymph stages have five (5) molting instars before it turns into an adult. The size of bed bugs ranges in length from 1 to 7 mm. A female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs every day, which would cause the population to grow quickly. The bites of bed bugs for individuals who are affected by their presence can cause severe discomfort and itchy bites. Some health issues can affect your daily life, including skin rashes, psychological and emotional effects, and allergy symptoms.
BED BUG REPRODUCTION CYCLE
A single female can lay anywhere from 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime. The Life Cycle of Bed bugs starts from eggs hatch and becoming nymphs, immature versions of adult bed bugs. These nymphs go through five developmental stages, and after each stage, they molt and grow larger. They will start to multiply their species once they reach adulthood and are ready to mate.
Here are the life stages of bed bugs:
Egg Stage
The eggs are tiny, pearly white, and the size is around 1 mm in length. The egg stage will hatch between 6 to 10 days when the temperature is about 70-80°F or 21-27°C, though they can survive longer in cooler environments.
Nymph Stage
The nymph stage is the most critical period for their growth and development because they go through several stages before becoming adults. Nymphs are the small version of the adult stage but are lighter and often yellow or translucent. They grow in size as they mature and become darker and elongated after having their meal.
Below are the stages of nymphal development:
First Instar – Tiny, light-colored, and almost transparent, with a size of about 1.5 mm.
Second Instar – Nymphs in the second stage are larger and darker than the first instar by around 2 mm. Light-colored, but their body is more visible.
Third Instar – Slightly larger, around 2.5-3 mm. The third instar will molt for 5 to 10 days if fed.
Fourth Instar – It is around 3-4 mm in size and becomes more reddish as it matures. It will molt to the final stage for 5-14 days if fed, and the environment is ideal.\
Fifth Instar (Final Nymphal Stage) – Close to the adult size (around 4-5 mm). The body is typically reddish-brown after feeding. Once the fifth instar molts, the bed bug becomes an adult and ready for mating.
Adult Stage (Reproduction Stage)
Adult bed bugs are about 4-5 mm in length and are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and flat. After feeding, their bodies become more elongated and swollen. It takes about 3 to 6 weeks before bed bugs reach the mature stage, which they can reproduce and start their cycle again.
Adults can live for several months, up to 6-12 months, without feeding. However, they usually live longer and have regular access to blood meals.
They pierced the skin of humans or other warm-blooded animals and fed them for 5-10 minutes.
CAUSE OF BED BUG INFESTATION
Bed bugs are caused by many factors. The best example here is traveling and buying secondhand items. It is essential to keep your home well-maintained because it will help you notice the early signs of bed bugs. Knowing the cause of bed bug infestations can help you in keeping these pests out of your living space. Below are the factors that cause bed bugs.
Bed Bug Travelers
Bed bugs are excellent travelers. They can crawl and travel on your personal items, travel bags, clothes, and souvenir items. They can also be carried through shopping carts, wheelchairs, vacuum cleaners, and shopping bags when people stay in hotels or visit infested places. Buses, trains, and airplanes can also be a source of bed bug transfer if passengers unknowingly carry them.
Infested Secondhand Items
Bringing in used items, especially furniture, bed foam, and clothing, can introduce bed bugs. They often hide in seams, folds, and cracks. Infested items bought from thrift stores are the source of bed bugs if not properly inspected.
Excessive Clutter
Excessive clutter provides plenty of hiding spots for bed bugs. They thrive in environments where they can hide easily. While cleanliness doesn’t directly cause bed bugs, neglecting to clean can allow an infestation to go unnoticed and untreated.
Shared Living Spaces
In multi-unit dwellings, bed bugs can easily spread between units through walls, electrical outlets, or plumbing. Guests can unknowingly bring bed bugs into your home.
Seasonal Changes
When people are on the move, especially in crowded areas and travel-heavy seasons such as summer and holidays, bed bug infestation will increase.
SIGNS OF BED BUGS
One indication that bed bugs exist is the presence of stains on your bedding or mattresses. Moreover, you may also notice small white eggs or discarded skins in infested furniture and the bedroom. If you notice an early sign of a bed bug, you need to act quickly.
Here are the typical indicators of a bed bug infestation:
Bite Marks – Small, red, itchy welts on the skin that often appear in a linear or clustered pattern.
Blood Stains – Small, reddish-brown stains on bed sheets or mattresses from crushed bed bugs.
Dark Spots – Tiny dark spots on bedding or furniture.
Shed Skins (Exoskeleton) – Molted exoskeletons, mostly found near sleeping areas.
Sweet Musty Odor – A musty smell odor from the bugs’ scent glands.
SYMPTOMS OF BED BUG BITES
Bed bug bites can occur in any part of the body of an individual but are usually found on exposed skin like legs, neck, and arms. The affected area looks like a round bump or flat red spot. Bed bug bite symptoms include intense itching that often leads to secondary infection because of too much scratching. Below are the symptoms of bed bug bites:
Itching – Intense itching is present in the bite area.
Redness – Redness around the bites.
Swelling – Some bites may become swollen or inflamed.
Blisters or Rash – Some people may develop blisters or a rash due to too much scratching or allergic reactions.
Secondary Infection – Scratching can lead to infection if bacteria enter the skin.
BED BUG BITE TREATMENT
Treatment for bed bug bites helps in relieving the discomfort and itchy feeling caused by these pests. Applying treatments starts with cleaning the bite area using soap and water. Natural and home remedy treatments like a cold compress can help lessen the itchiness and swelling. There are over-the-counter treatments that provide relief from irritations, like creams and oral antihistamines. You can choose what treatment method applies to your situation right now. The treatments provided below will surely help you relieve symptoms caused by bed bug bites.
Natural and Home Remedy Treatment
Aloe Vera Gel – To reduce the inflammation and soothe irritation, apply the fresh aloe vera gel to the bites.
Cold Compress – Apply a clean white cloth soaked in cold water or ice wrapped in a clean towel to the bite area for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and itching.
Tea Tree Oil – Dilute tea tree oil (essential oil) and apply it to the affected area. Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties can help prevent infections and soothe itchiness.
Honey – Known for its natural healing properties, honey can be applied to bites to soothe irritation and promote healing.
Baking Soda Paste – To help reduce itching and swelling, spread the baking soda paste on your bed bug bites.
Oatmeal Bath – Take a soak in warm water for 15-20 minutes, mixed with oatmeal, which can ease itching and calm irritated skin.
Chamomile Tea Bags – Soak the chamomile tea bag in hot water, let it cool for a while, and place the cooled, wet chamomile tea bags on your bed bug bites to help reduce inflammation and provide a calming effect.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Mix apple cider with water in equal parts and apply it to the bites using a cotton ball. It may help reduce itching and prevent infection.
Over-the-Counter Remedy Treatment
Antihistamines – Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine or cetirizine can help reduce itching and allergic reactions.
Hydrocortisone Cream – A 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied directly to the bites to alleviate inflammation and itching.
Calamine Lotion – Calamine lotion soothes irritated skin and provides a cooling effect on itchy bites.
Moisturizer – Choose a gentle and fragrance-free moisturizer and apply it on your skin to help soothe the skin and prevent dryness, especially around the bite area.
Note: Clean your skin, especially the bite area, using soap and water before applying treatments. Do a patch test before using bed bug bite treatment to make sure that there are no allergic reactions.
EXTERMINATE BED BUGS PESTS
Exterminating these wingless predators is quite challenging because it requires a thorough and proper use of methods and solutions to completely exterminate bed bugs. Making bed bugs come out from hiding and identifying the signs of infestation is one of the steps in the extermination process. Below are the methods you can use to stop bed bugs from reproducing and infesting your place and to completely exterminate them.
Essential Oils
Essential oil is a natural repellent solution to exterminate bed bugs. When dealing with bed bug infestation, combine these natural solutions with other pest control extermination methods for more effective solutions. Below shows on how to use the essential oils to exterminate bed bugs.
Tea Tree Oil – Known for its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. The insecticidal properties of tea tree oil destroy the nervous system of insects, making it an effective choice for killing bed bugs.
Lavender Oil – The strong fragrance of lavender oil is used to repel bed bugs and other insects. Some studies suggest that it may disrupt their behavior.
Peppermint Oil – Peppermint oil can be a useful natural repellent against bed bugs, contributing to an integrated pest management strategy.
Eucalyptus Oil – The scent of eucalyptus oil is unpleasant to bed bugs, which helps block them from infesting treated areas. Eucalyptus oil suffocates and kills bed bugs when they come directly in contact with the solution. The strong odor of eucalyptus interferes with bed bugs’ ability to find their host.
Clove Oil – The strong aroma of clove oil is believed to deter bed bugs and other pests. Clove oil contains eugenol, which has been shown to have insecticidal properties, potentially destroying the nervous systems of bed bugs after direct contact.
Cinnamon Oil – Cinnamon oil has a spicy scent that bed bugs find unpleasant. Use diluted cinnamon oil and spray it on infested areas. If using a cotton ball, soak it in cinnamon oil and place it in drawers and closets to repel bed bugs.
How to Use Essential Oils?
- Mix together the essential oils and a carrier oil (like coconut) before applying them to surfaces to avoid irritation.
- Spray the mixture onto infested areas, focusing on seams of mattresses, furniture, and any hiding spots.
- Frequently reapply the Essential oils, especially after cleaning or vacuuming.
Chemical Solutions
Chemical solutions are effective in getting rid of bed bugs. It is not just effective in eradicating bed bug life cycles but also helps prevent them from maturing and reproducing. If you choose to use this method, the chemical solutions to exterminate bed bug insects are below.
Pyrethroids – Synthetic chemicals that mimic natural pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are effective against adult bed bugs but may not kill eggs. Common examples include permethrin and deltamethrin. Apply as a spray or powder in infested areas, such as mattresses, furniture, and cracks.
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) –Insect Growth Regulators are chemicals that stop the life cycle and prevent them from maturing or reproducing. Like methoprene and pyriproxyfen, insect growth regulators can significantly reduce bed bug populations over time.
Insect growth regulators are used with adulticides to enhance overall effectiveness. Spray it evenly to areas where bed bugs are hiding. If using a dust formulation, apply it in the same areas, ensuring it gets into small cracks and crevices.
Desiccants – Substances that cause dehydration in insects by destroying their protective outer coating. Common desiccants include diatomaceous earth and silica gel. They work slowly but can kill bed bugs at all life stages. Apply in cracks, crevices, and areas where bed bugs hide. Leave it undisturbed for several days.
Neonicotinoids – Neonicotinoids are chemicals that affect the nervous system of insects. They are usually used in combination with other treatments. Neonicotinoid products can be effective against resistant bed bug populations. Applied as a spray or dust in infested areas.
Safety Precautions for Chemical Solution
- Make sure that there is good ventilation when applying insect growth regulators.
- Keep children and pets away from treated areas until the product has dried and is safe to enter.
- Wear gear for protection, such as gloves and a mask, if recommended.
Heat Treatment
Temperatures of 120°F (49°C) or above for at least 90 minutes to kill bed bugs and their eggs. Reaching higher temperatures (over 130°F) for shorter periods of time is a faster approach. Heat Treatments can exterminate all stages of bed bugs, including their eggs.
Steam Cleaning – Use a steam cleaner that produces steam at 200°F (93°C). Direct steam at seams of mattresses, upholstered furniture, and baseboards. Move slowly to allow heat to penetrate.
Washing and Drying – Wash all bedding, clothing, and any washable items in hot water with at least 120°F in temperature and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. For items that can’t be washed, use a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
DIY Portable Heaters – For smaller rooms, you can use electric portable heaters. Close off the space to keep the heat in. Use thermometers to check that the temperature reaches at least 120°F throughout the space.
Professional Heat Method – Professional heat treatment is one of the most effective methods for exterminating bed bugs. They use specialized equipment to raise the temperature of an infested area to levels deadly to all stages of bed bugs. Professionals use high-capacity electric heaters, fans, and monitoring devices to make sure that the heat penetrates every area of the space being treated.
Cold Treatment
This type of treatment exterminates bed bugs by using freezing temperatures (-18°C). The cellular structure of bed bugs is broken down by cold treatment, which results in freezing death. This treatment is effective for bed bugs, especially in areas that are hard to reach and items that cannot be treated by heat.
DIY Freezing – For smaller items or areas, you can implement DIY cold treatment using a freezer. Small items like clothing, toys, and bedding can be placed in a home freezer. Seal infested items in plastic bags and leave them in the freezer at -18°C for at least four (4) days to ensure all bed bugs and their eggs are exterminated.
Cryonite Method – Cryonite treatment method is often performed by pest control who use specialized equipment to spray carbon dioxide (CO2) snow or ice directly onto infested areas. The CO2 snow freezes the bugs instantly upon application. The Cryonite Method is useful for treating items and areas without the risk of damage that can occur with heat.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a natural way to exterminate bed bugs. It works by physically damaging the bed bugs’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death over time. When using diatomaceous earth as a bed bug exterminator, it is most effective when combined with other treatment methods for a more thorough bed bug eradication plan.
Encasement
The encasement is a method that is used to trap bed bug pests inside and prevent them from reproducing and feeding. In order to keep bed bugs from entering or escaping, mattresses and box springs are encased with specially made-protective covers. Carefully place the encasement over the mattress and box spring. Make sure to zip it completely to seal it off. Ensure that zippers are fully closed and that there are no gaps or holes that could allow bed bugs to escape or enter.
Bed Bug Traps
This method is used to trap and monitor bed bug infestation. They are used as a part of an integrated pest management plan and are usually combined with other extermination methods for more successful eradication. When bed bugs are trapped, other methods of extermination, such as heat, chemicals, and colds, are used to kill them.
Interceptor Traps – These are shallow plastic dishes or bowls that are designed and placed under the legs of beds or furniture. They have a raised outer wall and a smooth inner wall. Bed bugs can climb up the outer wall but get trapped inside and cannot escape due to the smooth surface. Place one trap under each leg of your bed and any other furniture that may harbor bed bugs.
Sticky Traps – Sticky traps are coated with a sticky adhesive that captures insects on contact. Once bed bugs come onto the trap, they become stuck to the adhesive and cannot move or getaway. Position the adhesive traps throughout the room, near hiding places, and beneath the furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming helps remove bed bugs and eggs from surfaces, including mattresses, furniture, carpets, and floors. Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction and a hose attachment, especially with a HEPA filter, because it can capture small particles, including bed bug eggs. Carefully vacuum the mattress and box springs, focusing on seams, edges, and folds. Promptly seal the vacuum bag and dispose of it in the outdoor trash bin to prevent captured bed bugs from escaping.
PREVENTION FOR BED BUG
- Regularly inspect and look for bed bug signs in your living space, particularly in areas where you sleep. Look in seams of mattresses, box springs, and behind headboards.
- Always inspect second-hand furniture, clothing, and other items before bringing them into your home because bed bug pests can easily hitch a ride on these items.
Use Protective Covers
- Purchase high-quality encasements that are designed to protect mattresses, beddings, and box springs from bed bugs. These covers catch all current bugs and stop new ones from entering.
- Wash and dry bedding on high heat regularly to exterminate bed bugs and eggs.
Declutter Your Home
- To minimize bed bug hiding spots, keep your living areas tidy and free of clutter because bed bugs thrive in crowded spaces where they can hide easily.
- Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids for storing items. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as they provide excellent hiding spots.
Be Cautious While Traveling
- Before settling into a hotel room, inspect each area, especially in the bed, for signs of bed bugs. Look for dark spots on the mattress, under the headboard, and in furniture seams.
- Store luggage on racks provided for luggage rather than on the floor or bed. Consider using suitcase liners or protective bags designed to keep bed bugs out.
- After traveling, wash all clothing immediately in hot water, even if it hasn’t been worn. Use high heat in the dryer.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
- Seal all cracks and gaps in your home, like walls, windows, and baseboards, to prevent bed bugs from entering.
- Fix any peeling paint, loose wallpaper, or damaged surfaces that could provide hiding spots.
Use Bed Bug Monitors
- Put the interceptors under the legs of beds and furniture. These traps can catch bed bugs attempting to climb up, helping you monitor for infestations.
- Bed bug monitors that attract them with heat or CO2 are used to detect their presence early.
Educate Yourself and Others
- Educate yourself, family members, and roommates about bed bugs, their signs, and prevention strategies. Knowledge is the key to early detection and prevention.
Responding to Potential Infestation
- Act immediately if you notice signs of bed bugs. It is better to address the issue sooner to make it easier to exterminate them.
- Avoid moving items to other areas of the house if you find bed bugs in one room or area because they can spread the infestation.
- Visit or call a bed bug control professional if you confirm bed bug infestation in your home.
Bed bugs can reproduce and spread massively through different factors. Exterminating them using different methods depends on the extent of infestation. Use a combination of extermination methods to get a more effective solution in killing these pests. Knowing what are the early signs of bed bugs will help you exterminate them before they spread into your home. Following the prevention measures will help in blocking them from entering your home.
