Bed Bug

Cimex lectularius

Fact Sheet: English, Spanish.

Argentine Ant

Adult bed bug (Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org)

Argnetine ant bait trail

Bed bugs in fabric (Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org)

Foraging Trail

Hatched bed bug eggs (Gary Alpert, Harvard University, Bugwood.org)

Identification

  • clear (unfed young) to straw-colored to reddish brown
  • oval-shaped, flat bodies
  • NEVER with wings; six legs

Nesting Habits

  • rest in crevices and cracks near or on furniture
  • student backpacks, clothing, wheelchairs, books, personal items, etc.
  • can be found anywhere

Diet

  • human blood; can feed day or night
  • must feed between every life stage

Significance

  • can be difficult and costly to eliminate
  • bites may result in redness, itching and swelling
  • infestations can cause sleeplessness and nervousness in those who have been bitten
  • negative social publicity for schools and social stigma

IPM Recommendations

  • Develop a bed bug action plan before bed bugs are present, and train all faculty and staff.
  • Consider identification by a professional entomologist.
  • Inspect and monitor areas with upholstered furniture as well as donations, lost and found items and children’s belongings.
  • Remove clutter or store in sealable containers.
  • Seal cracks and crevices.
  • Heat-treat individual infested items.
  • Be discrete in dealing with persons bringing bed bugs into buildings on personal belongings.
  • There are many controls available, consult with a professional entomologist on best control methods.

Additional Resources

Bed Bugs fact sheet

IPM for Bed Bugs: Integrated Pest Management in Sensitive Environments (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension)