Cimex lectularius, which are found in the northern temperate climates of North America, Europe, and Central Asia, are parasitic insects that are small and elusive. Commonly called bedbugs they have several different names, including the wall louse, mahogany flat, chinche, redcoat, crimson rambler and heavy dragoon. For Floridians they most likely are Cimex hemipterus bedbug that is more commonly found in tropical climates like Africa, Asia and semitropical areas.
They come from the family Cimicidae. That term refers to species that feed preferentially on human blood. All bugs in the Cimicidae family feed exclusively on warm blooded animals and humans. The name bedbug has been given to this particular bug because of its habit to infest houses, particularly beds, couches and any other common areas a person might sleep. Bedbugs are mainly nocturnal, and are able of feeding unnoticed by their host. The Bedbugs were largely destroyed in the 1940's by powerful insecticides such as DDT. But bedbugs have resurged since about 1995 and have become more and more prolific.
The common bedbug is the best adapted species to human environments. It can be found in temperate climates throughout the world. Bedbugs can survive in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. However, bedbugs cannot survive however in high concentrations of carbon dioxide for very long.
The way a bedbug eats is by perforating the skin of its host, with a pair of hollow feeding tubes. One tube will inject its saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anesthetics, while the other draws up the blood of its host. The bedbug only feeds for about 5 minutes, and then it will return to its hiding place. Bedbugs often hide unnoticed in dark cracks, and eggs can be nestled in fabric seams, carpets, and bed frames. Aside from bite symptoms, signs of an infestation include: fecal spots, blood smears on sheets, and molts.
Destroying a bed bug infestation requires persistence, and a thorough scrubbing and possible disposal of beds, couches, and infested items. Because they hide in many small cracks and crevices, inspections and treatments must be extremely vigilant. Infested bedding, clothing and other items will need to be washed in hot water and dried. And a proven effective, efficient way is to place shoes, clothing, backpacks, and toys in a dryer on high heat for 10-20 minutes. This will kill the bedbug in all stages.
The name bedbug has been given to this particular bug because of its habit to infest houses, particularly beds, couches and any other areas a person sleeps. Bedbugs are mainly active at night, and are capable of feeding unnoticed by their dinner victim. The Bedbugs were largely destroyed in the 1940's in the developed world by powerful insecticides such as DDT. But bedbugs have resurged since about 1995 and have become a major nuisance.
They come from the family Cimicidae. That term refers to species that feed preferentially on human blood. All bugs in the Cimicidae family feed exclusively on warm blooded animals and humans. The name bedbug has been given to this particular bug because of its habit to infest houses, particularly beds, couches and any other common areas a person might sleep. Bedbugs are mainly nocturnal, and are able of feeding unnoticed by their host. The Bedbugs were largely destroyed in the 1940's by powerful insecticides such as DDT. But bedbugs have resurged since about 1995 and have become more and more prolific.
The common bedbug is the best adapted species to human environments. It can be found in temperate climates throughout the world. Bedbugs can survive in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. However, bedbugs cannot survive however in high concentrations of carbon dioxide for very long.
The way a bedbug eats is by perforating the skin of its host, with a pair of hollow feeding tubes. One tube will inject its saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anesthetics, while the other draws up the blood of its host. The bedbug only feeds for about 5 minutes, and then it will return to its hiding place. Bedbugs often hide unnoticed in dark cracks, and eggs can be nestled in fabric seams, carpets, and bed frames. Aside from bite symptoms, signs of an infestation include: fecal spots, blood smears on sheets, and molts.
Destroying a bed bug infestation requires persistence, and a thorough scrubbing and possible disposal of beds, couches, and infested items. Because they hide in many small cracks and crevices, inspections and treatments must be extremely vigilant. Infested bedding, clothing and other items will need to be washed in hot water and dried. And a proven effective, efficient way is to place shoes, clothing, backpacks, and toys in a dryer on high heat for 10-20 minutes. This will kill the bedbug in all stages.
The name bedbug has been given to this particular bug because of its habit to infest houses, particularly beds, couches and any other areas a person sleeps. Bedbugs are mainly active at night, and are capable of feeding unnoticed by their dinner victim. The Bedbugs were largely destroyed in the 1940's in the developed world by powerful insecticides such as DDT. But bedbugs have resurged since about 1995 and have become a major nuisance.
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