Bed Bugs: Nuisance or Nightmare?

This PSHSA Fast Fact is intended to provide information on the prevention and management of bed bugs for everyone working in the healthcare, municipal and education sectors. They may cause itching and scratching which could lead to infection. There is no concrete scientific evidence that they carry blood borne diseases such as Hepatitis B or C, or HIV.

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are insects that resemble an apple seed in appearance, are about inch long, do not jump and have no wings. Prior to feeding they are flat but after feeding on blood they become bloated and turn dark red. The eggs are white, about the size of a pin head and are found in clusters in cracks and crevices of furniture, linens, clothing, mattresses and box-springs, behind baseboards and in chairs. Bed bugs have a one-year life span during which time females can lay up to 200-400 eggs. Eggs hatch in about 10 days.

How do I Prevent Bed Bugs from Entering my Home?

Be careful when buying used furniture. Inspect each item carefully and wash/clean prior to use. When buying used clothing, immediately wash with hot water and dry in hot dryer. If you find evidence of bed bugs it is advisable to throw out the item. Take the following precautions when staying in a hotel: Keep clothing in a tightly tied plastic bag in your suitcase or hang clothing in the closet. The bathroom is a good place to keep your luggage, or on a luggage rack. Before you unpack, inspect the head board and night stand first, as mattresses and box springs are frequently changed in hotels. Then examine the mattress including the seams and mattress tag for evidence of bedbugs. This could include blood stains and bed bug droppings. If you detect signs of bed bugs request another room and inform hotel management of the problem. If you have bites or find evidence of bed bugs during your trip take special precautions when you return home. Unpack outdoors, launder washables using the hot water setting, place everything in the dryer at the highest temperature for at least 30 minutes and vacuum your luggage thoroughly. Purchase hard, smooth luggage without pockets. These same precautions can be followed if you are working in a clients home or other workplaces where bed bugs may be present.

How can Infestation Occur?

Bed bugs move very quickly and can travel through hallways, plumbing and electrical lines. They can climb into bags or on clothing. They usually feed at night and hide during the day. These insects prefer darkness and tend to hide near the bed. They travel up to 20 feet in search of a human host. Bed bugs usually feed once a week but can survive for up to 14 months without eating.

Who is at Risk?
Anyone, anywhere, rich or poor, clean or dirty all are at risk. Places with a high turnover of residents have a higher risk for bed bugs. This could include hotels, schools, rooming houses and hospitals. Acquiring items second-hand also increases risk. Bed bugs prefer to feed off humans but will also bite animals and birds. Bed bugs are making a strong resurgence in North America. Reasons given include increased globalization, restrictions on the use of pesticides and resistance to certain pesticides.

What are the Symptoms?

Bites arent usually felt since the insect injects an anesthetic that is mixed with their saliva. Individual response to bites varies, and some people do not react at all. Bites usually appear as small, raised, red lesions.

Fast Facts: Bed Bugs: Nuisance or Nightmare?

What if I Find Bed Bugs in my Home or at the Workplace?

Some workplaces are susceptible to bed bugs, or perhaps you encounter them while working in a clients home. If you suspect bed bugs are present in the workplace, report this to your supervisor. If your concerns are not addressed in a timely manner, you can report the concern to your joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. Confirm you have bed bugs by consulting your local public health unit or pest control operator. Discuss options that pose the least risk to people and the environment. An integrated pest management system which combines a variety of techniques and products is usually the best option.

Where do I Find Additional Information about Bed Bugs?

There are many resources available on the internet. A good place to start is with your local public health unit. For a listing of public health units: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/ phu/phuloc_mn.html Below are some additional resources: Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc. gc.ca/tmp-pmv/info/bb-pl-eng.php Health Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/ pest/_pnotes/bedbugs-punaises-lits/index-eng.php Government of Ontario: http://bedbugsinfo.ca/tools Toronto Public Health Unit: www.toronto.ca/health/ bedbugs

What Should I do as an Employer?

Provide information to staff about bed bugs. Ask staff to report if they find bed bugs at the workplace or while on business travel. Advise them to stop using that hotel until hotel management provides assurance that the risk of bed bugs has been eliminated. Develop a policy and procedures for identification, prevention and management of bed bugs.

Public Services Health & Safety Association

4950 Yonge Street, Suite 902, Toronto ON M2N 6K1 tel: 416-250-2131 toll free: 1-877-250-7444 fax: 416-250-9190 www.pshsa.ca

2011

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The information contained in document is correct at the time of publication. The Fast Facts series is copyrighted by the Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA). Individual Fast Facts can be copied freely provided appropriate credit is given to PSHSA.