Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects found all over the world. They are nocturnal parasites, which means they rest during the day and are active at night. However, bedbugs are opportunistic and will bite in the day, especially if starved for some time. They feed on the blood of humans. Bedbugs prefer to hide in bedding and on mattresses where they have ready access to a source of food.

Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin. Their bite is painless. Some people do not react to the bites, but for others the bites can become itchy and swell into reddened weals.

Although bedbugs can harbour diseases in their bodies, transmission to humans is highly unlikely. They are not dangerous, unless a person is allergic to them. However, their presence can be distressing and their bites can be highly irritating.

Characteristics of the bedbug

The characteristics of a bedbug include that they:

• are wingless
• are half a centimetre long
• have a flat, oval-shaped body
• have six legs
• are light brown in colour, changing to rust-red after a meal of blood
• have a squat head
• have large antennae
• have large mouth parts (mandibles)
• have a complex life-cycle involving many stages of development
• have the ability to survive without feeding for months at a time
• are susceptible to extremes of temperature.

Humans are the preferred host for bedbugs

Bedbugs live exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood, but will feed on other mammals if necessary. Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide in expired air, which is how they find their host. Bedbugs commonly target the shoulders and arms.

During feeding, the bedbug’s proboscis (feeding organ) swings forward and downward to pierce the skin of the victim. Saliva (containing an anticoagulant) is then injected, which is the cause of an allergic reaction in some people. Bedbugs take around five to 10 minutes to feed. As the bedbug engorges with blood, its colouring changes from light brown to rust-red.

Common hiding spots for bedbugs

The living areas favoured by bedbugs include:

• mattresses, particularly along the seams
• bedding such as sheets and blankets
• beneath loosened edges of wallpaper
• between the cracks of wooden floors
• in wall cracks or crevices
• carpet
• furniture, particularly in seams and cracks.

Causes of bedbug infestation

Bedbugs often hide in luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture. They are most often found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover such as hotels, motels, hostels, shelters and apartment complexes.

Any household can be invaded by bedbugs, but a high standard of hygiene can discourage bedbugs from spreading widely throughout a home.

Recognising a bedbug infestation

The first indication of a bedbug infestation may be the presence of bites on family members. A thorough inspection of your premises, especially the common hiding spots, may also reveal:

• the bedbugs themselves – however, due to their size, they are often hard to see
• small bloodstains from crushed bugs on sheets or mattresses
• rusty or dark spots of bug excrement on mattresses, bedding or walls
• an offensive, sweet, musty odour from their scent glands, which may be detected when infestations are severe.

Symptoms of a bedbug bite

The bite of a bedbug has certain features, including:

• large weals that reduce to a red mark, then gradually fade over a few days
• itchiness
• reddening of the skin
• localised swelling
• formation of blisters
• small loss of skin tissue in some cases.

Treatment for bedbug bites

Bedbugs are not known to transmit any blood-borne diseases. However, the bites can be itchy and distressing.

Suggestions to treat bedbug bites include:

• Resist the urge to scratch.
• Use calamine lotion or anaesthetic creams to treat the itching.
• Wash the bites with antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply an icepack frequently to help relieve swelling.
• Take pain-relieving medication if symptoms are severe.

See your doctor if the bite develops an infection.

Controlling a bedbug infestation

High standards of hygiene and housekeeping alone are unlikely to control an infestation. However, keeping a house clean will reveal the presence of bedbugs at an early stage, making control easier and reducing the chance of widespread infestation.

Some general suggestions to eliminate bedbugs include:

• Thoroughly wash, vacuum or clean all surfaces and bedding.
• Wash bedding and affected clothing where possible, using hot water. Dry in a clothes drier on a hot setting.
• Vacuum mattresses, seal in dark plastic and leave outside in the hot sun for as long as possible.
• Steam clean carpets.
• Spray common hiding spots with a surface pesticide registered to control bedbugs. Follow the label directions carefully. Do not treat bedding with pesticide.

Hiring a professional pest control operator

A qualified pest control operator can determine the extent of the infestation, then use registered pesticides to kill the bedbugs. Repeat visits may be necessary to ensure all bedbugs at various stages of the lifecycle have been eradicated.

Good hygiene practices, such as frequent house cleaning, should help to prevent any further infestations. However, vacuuming immediately after treatment should be avoided to make sure the residual pesticide is not removed. For further information, consult your pest control operator.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Find a licensed pest control operator