Bed Bugs

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood-feeding insects that feed exclusively on blood, preferably human. They have resurged as a worldwide pest in recent decades due to increased international travel and resistance to conventional insecticides. They are one of the most difficult pests to control.

Identification

• Size: From 4 to 7 mm (apple seed size).
• Color: Reddish brown; they become darker and swollen after feeding.
• Body: Oval and flattened, wingless.
• Habitat: Mattress seams, headboards, bed frames, wall cracks, behind picture frames, electrical outlets.
• Signs: Dark spots on sheets (fecal matter), blood stains, shed skin, characteristic sweet odor in severe infestations.
• Bites: In lines or clusters, usually on areas exposed during sleep (arms, neck, face).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bed bugs transmit diseases? Although bed bugs carry pathogens, they have not been shown to effectively transmit diseases. However, their bites cause intense itching, insomnia, anxiety, and allergic reactions.

Do bed bugs mean poor hygiene? No. Bed bugs do not distinguish between clean and dirty environments. They are transported in luggage, clothing, used furniture, and can infest luxury hotels as easily as hostels.

Hazards

Bed bugs cause bites that generate intense itching, secondary infections from scratching, chronic insomnia, and psychological stress. In the hospitality industry, an infestation can devastate an establishment's reputation. Treatment and remediation costs are significant.

Control and Prevention

• Inspection: Thorough review of mattresses, headboards, and furniture when traveling or acquiring used furniture.
• High-temperature washing: Bedding and clothing at 60°C minimum; high-heat drying.
• Vacuuming: Vacuum mattresses, frames, and cracks frequently, disposing of the bag immediately.
• Heat treatment: Heating rooms above 50°C to eliminate all life stages.
• Professional control: Combined treatment of heat, steam, vacuuming, and residual insecticide application by specialized technicians.