January marks the beginning of the new year, but also the end of the great travel season that surrounds many important holidays around the world. According to AAA estimates, 112.7 million people were expected to travel 50 miles or more from home from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2.
People were undeterred by the threat of RSV, COVID-19 or the flu, but the weather and airlines made travel a challenge. But there’s at least one thing that’s undeterred by the season’s travel chaos: bed bugs. Now is a good time to check out how these seemingly insignificant insects can hitch a ride, what you can do after your trip to prevent them from moving in, and how to get rid of them if they try to establish themselves.
where to lookThe species of bug we are most likely to see in North Carolina is Cimex lectularius, in the order Hemiptera, because this species prefers a more temperate climate. The insect is usually dark brown to reddish oval in shape and molts five times from hatching to its adult form. They must feed at least once between each molt. Immature stages can survive for more than two months without feeding; However, most juvenile forms usually develop into adults within two to six weeks. Under favorable conditions, each female lays between 200 and 500 eggs. With regular feeding, the eggs are laid in groups of 10-50 pieces with an interval of 3-15 days. The ideal temperature for egg laying is 70°F and above, which happens to be the ideal temperature for most American homes. As soon as the temperature falls below 10 °C, egg production stops.
Bedbugs hide in the cracks and crevices of beds, baseboards, furniture, and clothing during the day, and come out at night to feed on any warm-blooded animal within walking distance. The telltale signs of bed bugs are red-brown stains on sheets, mattresses, and baseboards from feces and blood. If the infestation is particularly severe, there may be an accumulation of carcasses due to moulting. Bug bites on humans usually show up as swollen welts as the body reacts to the insect’s mouthparts piercing the skin. That being said, bed bugs are not known to carry or carry disease.
How they hitchhikeIt’s a common misconception that you only get bed bugs in unsanitary conditions. The reality is that it’s easy to catch bed bugs while traveling, no matter how seemingly clean you keep. Picking up someone’s coat, sitting in a communal chair, sleeping on a hotel bed are all possible places to hitchhike. Humans are the main vector or mover of bed bugs. The more people travel and interact with each other, the more likely you are to encounter bed bugs.
This will prevent them from moving inThe name “bug” comes from their tendency to feed on people while they sleep in bed, and that the bed is a common place for people to realize they have an infestation. When traveling, check the mattress you sleep in and the baseboards around the room you stay in. These two spots are usually white, and the beetles and their feces can be noticeable. Store your clothes in your suitcase and keep your suitcase off the floor. Remember that the insects must be able to run to you!
When you return home, don’t put your suitcase on your bed. Wash all your clothes and tumble dry on high heat for about 30 minutes. The insects cannot survive this process. Take a warm shower and change your sheets regularly. If you’re particularly concerned, check your mattress a few weeks after you return and watch for bites.
How to evict them when they try to move in
There are three steps to controlling bed bugs if you think they’ve moved in. The first step is to check if you have bed bugs. Catch some of the bugs and put them in a plastic bag and then put that bag in another bag. You can take this to the Cooperative Advisory Office for identification! The second step is to find out where they live in your home by checking the locations mentioned previously. There are some companies that offer canine services to help determine where an infestation is located. If you choose to go this route, make sure the handler is licensed with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and that the dog has been trained by a reputable trainer.
Finally, the third step is control, and this can be a very long and tedious process. It is important to have completed the first two steps in order to develop an appropriate control plan. Most fogging products available to consumers are not effective against bed bugs because they cannot invade where they are in your home. It is highly recommended that you work with a suitably licensed pest control company who can provide professional recommendations and who are trained in the appropriate use of chemicals and other strategies to treat bugs.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommends that you contact your local health department or sleep products department at (919) 733-3556 if you think you’ve encountered bed bugs.
Amanda Wilkins is the horticultural agent for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.
