Bed Bug Background The purpose of this documentation is to provide education for staff in the identification of Bed Bugs and the first response steps to take if Bed Bugs are suspected

BED BUG BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES What are Bed Bugs? The common bed bugs (Cimex Lectarious) are nocturnal small insects that feed on both animal and human blood that have been long known to be a public health pest. Bed bug bites cause itchy welts and are generally irritating to their human hosts. Bed bugs have been living among humans for hundreds of years however they were eradicated in the 1950’s. Bed bugs showed resistance to some pesticides widely used in the past that are no longer available. In the 1990’s bed bugs began to re-merge worldwide die to an increase in international travel and commerce, lack of knowledge about preventing infestation, increase resistance to pesticides, and ineffective pest control practices.

Eggs are about the size of a pinhead. Females need a blood meal to produce egg batches. A female bed bug usually produce 3-5 eggs or up to 12 eggs per day, (over 200-400 in their lifetime). Bed bugs can produce 3 – 6 generations per year.

They are small. They are about 1/4 “ in length. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. Immature stages are yellow to light tan in color.

In the adult stages they are reddish-brown color and have no wings. The lifespan of a bed bug is about 10 months.

(Note: Bed bugs take 3 – 12 minutes to complete feeding – This picture shows the bed bug transformation during the feeding process).

Bed Bugs have a Cryptic lifestyle (meaning they spend the majority of their time hiding in cracks and crevices where they will not be seen or disturbed). Bed bugs are attracted to CO2 and body warmth. Usually they aggregate near their hosts (i.e. beds, bed frames, headboards, and in clutter under beds). The following diagram shows the five life stages of the common bed bug.

(Note: Lifespan of a Bed Bug is approximately 10 months.)

Bed Bug Identification: The first and most cost effective method of inspection is training staff members to be able to recognize bed bug activity. Staff should remain aware each time they enter a resident’s room of possible activity. If staff identify (or suspect) Bed Bug presence, they should immediately notify their supervisor and await further instruction.

Signs and Symptoms: • • • • • • • • • •

Bites on residents or guests Blood spots and smears on linens and mattresses Blood spots and smears on walls and ceilings Brown fecal stains on linens, walls, corners, and ceilings Cast/shed skins Look for Bed Bugs infestations at the following possible Bed Bug harborage locations. Mattresses Box Springs Bed frame and headboard Baseboards around bedding and nightstands.

Other Possible Bed Bugs Harborage Areas: • Couches, chairs, other sitting/resting furniture • Nightstands and dressers • Durable medical equipment (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, blood pressure monitoring equipment)

Inspection Methods: Visual Inspection:

↓ Should be done by a Pest Management Professional (PMP), unless activity is found

Canine Inspection:

↓ These inspections can be more thorough and faster than human inspection as dogs are able to detect scent from eggs and small infestations that humans could easily miss.

Recommendations to Reduce Bed Bug Infestation • Promptly perform visual skin checks on new admissions and ask questions that relate to unexplained bite marks, or about possible infestations at prior facilities or residence.

• Launder resident clothing with high heat on dry cycle if any suspicion of infestation exists.

After Bed Bugs are found: containing the infestation is priority!

1.) 2.) 3.)

Limit access to room (do not move resident) Anything removed should be sealed in plastic Any clothing being moved should be laundered with high heat drying 4.) Inspect common areas and other rooms that resident frequents: Dining Room Shower/Bathroom Library/Computer area Bingo/Activities/Therapy

5.) 6.)

Inspect all bedding and furniture before installing into facility Treat with heat or put in dryer all luggage, pillows, shoes, slippers, and clothing of new resident 7.) Inspect all personal belongings before putting into resident’s room 8.) Examine for and report immediately findings of any suspicious bites or bed bug activity to management/supervisors 9.) Keep all bedding separate and sealed in heavy plastic bags if activity or signs are found in resident’s room

Bed Bug Frequently Asked Questions Where have bedbugs been found? These pests are not limited to any one specific type of dwelling. Pest control companies have been reporting the infestations everywhere including single family homes, multi-family housing, apartments, hotels, hospitals, schools and college campuses, office buildings, retail stores, movie theaters and even public transportation. Nowadays, even five-star hotels and high-end clothing stores are susceptible to infestation.

Why are bedbugs so hard to treat? Bedbugs should not be equated with filth or sanitation problems .They can be found in the cleanest homes, or the nicest hotels. Bedbugs are very elusive, transient pests. They are often found in other areas besides the bed. And they are hardy. They can live for several months without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Bedbugs can be controlled with vigilance, constant inspection and treatment by professional pest control companies.

Are bedbugs just in beds? Bedbugs are not just in beds. They can be in chair cushions, sofas, behind electrical outlets, cracks and crevices around baseboards, or even behind picture frames. In other words, they can be live pretty much anywhere. How does one control bedbugs? Any effective bedbug control strategy should start with a careful, thorough inspection by a pest control professional of all known and suspected spots where the bugs may be harboring. This is not a pest that can be controlled effectively with do-it-yourself measures. As they are discovered, the pest control professional will develop a treatment and control strategy with the customer depending on the extent of the infestation.

Can I get sick from bedbugs? Bedbugs are not known to spread any diseases to humans. However, their bites can leave behind itchy, red welts which can become infected from scratching.

PINES OF SARASOTA POLICY AND PROCEDURE REGARDING BED BUG CONTROL Department:

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Administrative

Effective Date: 2/2014

Revision:Dates______________________________________________________________________________ POLICY: Maintain a safe and bed-bug free environment. PURPOSE: To ensure resident safety. DEFINITION: Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. SIGNS OF BITES: Bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea-a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and cause irritation. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems that arise from profuse scratching of the bug bites. PROCEDURE: Nursing staff will: 1. Contain the "bug" if possible in a container (to be given to maintenance for identification). 2. Assess the resident to determine if first aid is required to the bites. (Apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine if needed/ordered). 3. Assess roommate, as well, if this is a semi-private room. 4. Remove all bed linen and apply clean linen. Linen will be bagged and sealed in plastic bags and brought to the laundry department for treatment. Nursing Supervisor will: 1. Notify the physician, DON/ADON, Family, Administrator, and Maintenance. 2. Quarantine the resident to contain possible spread of the bed bugs. 3. Place a sign on the resident’s door to notify all visitors to report to nurse's station for additional information. Resident will: 1. Be provided all meals in his/her room during this time. 2. Will receive therapy in his/her rooms during this time. Social Services and Activities will: 1. Offer psychosocial support during this time, as needed. Maintenance will: 1. Notify the pest control company. Administrator will:

1. Notify the DOH Environmental Services @ 941-861-6133

AUTHOR:

COMMITTEE:

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Administration

(policy/Bed Bug control)