We continue to take a large number of calls about bed bugs and questions about how we treat for bed bugs in Cincinnati. The unfortunate truth is that we will be dealing with bed bugs from now on due to a number of factors. This page contains a bed bug video featuring information from Dr. Michael Potter from the University of Kentucky. Local video from WLWT TV in Cincinnati about bed bugs in public housing and hotels for your review. You can also access the University of Kentucky Fact Sheet on bed bugs to learn more about bed bug biology.
The Bedbug: (It helps to know your enemy)
1. Adult bed bugs are dark reddish brown insects that
are flattened, wingless with bands of hairs.
2. Size: They are roughly a 1/4” long when fully grown
and about the size of a apple seed. Immature nymphs
(babies) are very small and translucent at when they hatch out
and roughly the size of a ball point pen tip. (Tiny)
3. Where they like to live: Bedbugs particularly like wood and fabric. They hide in cracks, crevices, narrow
spaces and voids in proximity to where humans sleep or rest such as: beds and bed frames, night stands,
dressers, desks, recliners and sofas.
Heavier infestations spread behind baseboards, in windows and door casings. Look for them behind items
attached to walls and ceilings, pictures, electrical switch plates, smoke detectors, loose wallpaper,
in the pleats of drapes, and the upholstery of furniture.
4. What are the Black Spots? That is digested blood that they are excreting it dries black and is a sign of
infestation. If you found it on your mattress you might want to remove it and check your box springs it is
common to find more activity at this level.
BEFORE YOU TREAT YOURSELF MAKE SURE YOU ARE PURCHASING A EFFECTIVE PRODUCT MANY OF THE BEDBUG STRAINS IN CINCINNATI ARE SHOWING RESISTANCE TO THE ACTIVE DELTAMETHRIN - PLEASE READ THE ARTICLES BELOW
Pest Control Technologies article July 2007 - PDF
Journal of Medical Entomology 2007 - PDF
