Bed Bugs: An Overview
What you need to know, and then some…
1. Overview
Bed Bug History What are Bed Bugs?
How and When do they Feed?
Are Bed Bugs Harmful?
Bed Bug Bites
All but Eradicated
During WWII, DDT came into widespread use.
Very effective against bed bugs.
All but eradicated from industrialized Countries.
Rare pest for almost 50 years.
Bed Bug History
Historically common pest
DDT used widely in the 1940’s to kill mosquitoes, cockroaches and bed bugs
All but eradicated in industrialized countries by the 1950’s
DDT banned in the U.S. in 1972 and in Europe and Australia
~10 years later
Significant reemergence in mid-1990’s in North America, Europe and Australia
Increase in global travel
Changes in pest management practices
Pesticide resistance in bugs
Lack of knowledge
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What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are visible.
Reddish-brown color, flattened bodies, ~0.2 inches long
Insects that feed only on blood, and bite the same way mosquitoes bite
Adults are the size of apple seeds and young are the size of poppy or sesame seeds
Eggs are the size of a grain
Bed Bug Life Cycle
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How and When do they Feed?
Primary at night, but will adjust pattern to when people are present
Attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2) and body heat.
Can detect CO2 from 3 feet away
Feed once every 3-5 days
Can live months without feeding
They do no live on people or in
clothing – they bite and leave
Are Bed Bugs Harmful?
Bed bugs do not carry diseases, but there are health effects:
Itchy or painful welts on the skin
May cause allergic reactions
Secondary skin infections from scratching
Stress and anxiety
Fatigue from not sleeping
Imaginary itches
Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!
Many people show no reaction to bed bug bites
Others may develop red swollen patches or marks
Reactions can be more or less severe, depending on the sensitivity of the
individual
Symptoms may appear 1
hour to 2 weeks post bite
Bites
Bed bug bites are clear at the center, where the two tubes located on the head of the bedbug puncture the skin. Red raised swelling or bites occur around the center (referred to as papules)
Bites usually appear on areas which are exposed during sleep such as the arms, legs, shoulders and neck.
Bites or a rash are not enough evidence of bed bugs.
Look for more evidence such as:
live or dead bugs, stains, or cast skin debris.
2. Where are Bed Bugs & How Do They Spread?
Bed Bug Travel
Signs of an Infestation
Where do Bed Bugs Hide?
How Does a Workplace Become Infested?
There are two ways to get Bed Bugs:
Migration – Bed bugs move through hallways, plumbing, electrical lines, etc.
Hitchhiking – Bed bugs climb into bags,
clothing or household
items which are then
relocated by a person
Signs of an Infestation
Blood stains, spots, streaks from crushed bugs on bed sheets or cushions
Rusty or tiny block spots of excrement on sheets, mattresses, bed clothes, walls, cushions
Eggs – when ready to hatch are the size of a piece of rice
Egg shells/Shed skin
An offensive sweet, musty odor when infestations are severe
Bites on skin; pets scratching bites
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs mainly hide in small spaces close to where people sleep
Crevices of mattresses, chairs, walls, etc.
Hard smooth surfaces and from metal and plastic surfaces, e.g.
metal bed frames with recessed screw holes, wood bed frames with slats, even on bed springs
Light infestations – Bed bugs stay around the bed Heavy infestations – Bed bugs will spread everywhere
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Hiding Places
Beds,
sofas,
bedside
tables,
recliners,
picture
frames…
3. Bed Bug Prevention and Control
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Examples of Control Methods
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Pesticides alone are not enough to get rid of bed bugs:
Pesticides are not as toxic as years ago, but contact with the bed bug is needed for kill
Many bed bugs can survive pesticides. Using enough to kill them may put employees at risk
The most effective program for eliminating bed bugs is one that utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
IPM uses various methods to minimizes risk of pesticide exposure to employees and the public, safeguards the environment, and maximizes effectiveness
An IPM plan should be in place to deal with pests, including
bed bugs, before they become a problem
IPM Methods
Inspect work/living spaces and surrounding areas where bed bugs were seen
Correctly identify the pest
Keep records, including dates when and locations where pests are found
Clean all items within a bed bug infested living area
Reduce clutter where bed bugs can hide through storage and/or disposal of items
Eliminate bed bug habitats
Physically remove bed bugs through cleaning
IPM Methods
Pesticide use, careful and according to the label directions by a licensed professional
Follow up inspections and possible treatment
Raise awareness through education on prevention of bed bugs for employees, clients, residents, facilities managers, and
landlords
An office or facility may need several cycles of inspection, cleaning, and pesticide use before bed bugs
are fully eliminated
IPM also includes prevention through education
Examples of Extermination and Control Methods
Chemical Control
Pesticides
Insecticides
Steam or High Heat
Cold or Cryonite
Physical Removal of Materials
Vacuuming
Sticky Tap
Bed Bug Traps/Barriers
Climbup Interceptor
Mattress Encasements
4. Protecting Workers
Role of the Local H&S Committee Management’s Role
What Can Workers Do?
Protections for Workers Who Make Home/Field Visits
Role of the Local H&S Committee:
A team effort is needed when dealing with a bed bug problem at work
The Union(s) should be included in discussions on treatment plans to ensure workers are protected from exposure to
pesticides and with minimal disruption
Acquire training for the committee
Request copies of material safety data sheets for all pesticides or chemicals to be used
Gather all supporting documentation
Request meeting with management to discuss the issue
Management's Role
Agencies and staff should develop clear guidelines for:
Risk reduction and prevention
Reporting of bed bugs
Response procedures
L&M participation in treatment plans
A communication plan to inform staff, cleaners, and others who may come in contact with a site where bed bugs have been
identified
Communication with employees the plan for occupants with special considerations (respiratory problems, chemical
sensitivities, pregnant women, the elderly, children, etc) in and near the treatment areas
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What can Workers Do?
Report sightings to your supervisor and local Union leader.
Complete an unusual incident report
Work with the union to ensure a licensed professional exterminator is quickly brought in to conduct a thorough inspection
Request copies of material safety data sheets for all pesticides or chemicals to be used – if necessary consult with family
doctor
What can Workers Do?
Kill them immediately – preferably without pesticides
Catch them with sticky packing tape or crush them in paper towels
Bed bugs can be forced out of cracks and crevices with flat edged items such as a putty knife or playing card
Empty any personal bags (such as your purse or briefcase) and check thoroughly for bedbugs
Change your clothes at home- Bag all clothes and any
items to be washed (on hottest setting) or put in dryer. Do not put in another room or carry through other rooms
unless bagged
Dry for at least 30 minutes at 120F degrees (hottest setting on home dryers is fine)
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Protections for Workers Who Make Home/Field Visits
Learn how to identify bed bugs
When visiting, bring in only what you need and avoid placing bags close to walls and furniture (if this is unavoidable, place belongings in a closed white plastic kitchen bag and examine it for any bed bugs before leaving)
If possible, stand rather than sit, or avoid sitting on furniture with fabric – wood or metal chairs are better
Inspect shoes, clothing, and belongings after leaving
If you find any bed bugs kill them immediately
Put work clothes in the dryer for at least 30 minutes on high
Preparing for Extermination
Call a Bed Bug Exterminator!
Workers can help prepare the office or facility for treatment
Organize belongings into containers for temporary storage.
Move furniture and other things away from walls.
Empty and take apart furniture, especially bedroom items.
Create as much access to the bugs as you can.
5. Regulations and Resources
OSHA
Web Resources
PEF & CSEA OSH
Regulations
Because Bed Bugs are not known to transmit disease, they are considered a nuisance and not a health hazard. However, a PESH complaint may be filed, and an employer may be cited under OSHA Standard:
1910.141 (a)(5) – Vermin control
Every enclosed workplace shall be so constructed, equipped, and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, as to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects, and other vermin.
A continuing and effective extermination program shall be instituted where their presence is detected.
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Resources
NYC Department of Health
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vector/vector-faq1.shtml
Cornell University IPM site
http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/whats_bugging_you/bed_bugs /default.asp
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Publications/Bed_Bugs_CDC- EPA_Statement.htm
ICPMR (Australia) Bed Bug Website
http://medent.usyd.edu.au/bedbug/index.htm
