Increased bed bug infestation could be result of more travel

"Good night, sleep tight; Don't let the bed bugs bite." As a child growing up I never worried about a bed bug bite, but now it's a common topic on the news stories and papers. K- State Research and Extension has taken a lead to provide updated, useful information to our clients, and a new publication to help homeowners, business owners and others identify and learn how to prevent or manage infestations was created.

Although there is no specific reason for the escalation of infestations, increased international travel and the reduction of pesticides with residual activity probably have contributed. Often associated with clutter and filth, recent resurgence is in fine hotels and living arrangements.

Bed bugs -- or Cimex lectularis -- are small, oval, wingless flattened insects that are about one-fifth inch long with a rusty to dark red color. They have antennae and compounded eyes located on the side of the head. Nymphs have the same appearance as adults, only smaller.

Newly hatched nymphs are about the size of a pin head and are light yellow in color. With each of five molts, they grow larger. The complete life cycle can take from five weeks to four months; this varies as nymphs require a blood meal before each molt.

Bed bugs feed at night, with bites not being noticed until hours after, days after, or sometimes not at all. In general, bites are itchy, red with a darker red center, arranged in a line or clustered together, and found in exposed areas. Just like all reactions, some people have no symptoms while others have an allergic response such as itching, blistering or hives.

Infestations are difficult to prevent because they are typically transported on clothing, luggage, used bedding or used furniture. Here are a few suggestions:

* Thoroughly inspect all secondhand furniture before bringing it in the house.

* Travelers should inspect bedding before use, inspect along seams of mattresses and box springs.

* Keep suitcases on elevated luggage stands.

* Wash and dry clothing immediately.

If bed bug-like insects are found, it is important to determine the species as there are several similar species which may infest bats, pigeons or rodents and not humans.

Bed bugs are very difficult to eliminate in a structure. Contact a professional pest control service with experience inspecting and treating bed bugs, immediately after detection.

The four-page publication includes information about this pesky insect's life cycle, the damage its bites can cause, detection, prevention and management in the event of an infestation. It can be found online at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/entml2/mf2926.pdf or picked up from the Extension Office.

With this information I hope you can say, "Good night, sleep tight; Don't let the bed bugs bite, Wake up bright, In the morning light; Do what's right, With all your might."