Arlette Hernandez University of San Francisco. Objectives Explaining the biology of bed bugs. Identifying infestations. Examining the usage of Propoxur.

The Human Health Effects Associated with Bed Bug Infestations

Arlette HernandezUniversity of San Francisco

Objectives Explaining the biology of bed bugs.

Identifying infestations.

Examining the usage of Propoxur to eradicate bed bugs.

Determining the potential human health risks associated with bed bug bites.

Biology of Bed Bugs Bed bugs are a re-emerging public

health problem in the United States because they are small insects that feed on human and animal blood to reproduce.

Bed bugs generally consume 3 mg of blood per week but can potentially consume more every 2 to 4 days.

Human bed bugs change shape and color as they

feed:

Bed bug after “bloodmeal”:

Bed bugs reproduce at alarming rates:

Lay eggs 3 to 5 days after the initial bloodmeal.

Have seven ovarioles leading to 14 eggs being developed simultaneously.

The mean maximum egg production = 35.3 eggs per week.

Hard to control because mortality rate is greater than 80%.

Can multiply even in locations with limited blood supply.

Bed Bug Infestations:

Has become an epidemic in central, southwestern, and eastern regions of the United States.

Difficult to eradicate in low-income communities.

Difficult to detect bed bug infestation in senior housing.

Survival Areas: ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE!

Easily speared to other locations through constant human traffic. Theaters, stores, public

transportation, classroom

Bed bug blood smears on a wall inside an

infested house:

Bed bugs in infested mattress:

Propoxur: Most common used chemical to

eliminate bedbugs Environmental Protection Agency

made it illegal to use in locations were children are present.

Toxicity Category II = second highest category for oral exposure.

Toxicity Category III =dermal and inhalation exposure.

Acute toxicity: Coma

Hypertension

Trouble breathing

Blurred vision

Lack of coordination

Twitching

Slurring of speech

Propoxur health risk to humans:

“Probable human carcinogen”

Causes cancer by inhalation

Causes death by cardiorespiratory depression

Harmful to fetus of pregnant woman

Bed bug health effects:

DO NOT TRANSMIT HUMAN DISEASE

Human health reactions to bed

bugs: “ Cutaneous reactions”

Visible points in the location of the bite Usually itch and resolve within a week Bullous rashes can cause secondary

infections

“ Systemic reactions” Asthma Hives Anaphylaxis- whole body allergic

reaction

Bed bug bites:

If infestation is severe:

Develop anemia from the extensive amount of blood consumed by the bedbugs

Develop psychiatric problems Anxiety Obsession Depression to the point of suicide

Prevention Methods: No known device or technique to

effectively attract or trap bed bugs without causing health consequences.

Pest control and eradication is challenging due to insecticide and health concerns caused by pesticides.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

Using monitoring devices

Removing clutter where bed bugs can hide

Applying heat treatment

Vacuuming

Sealing cracks and crevices to remove hiding places

Using non-chemical pesticides (such as diatomaceous earth)

Agencies responsible for policy change:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

California bed bug law:

State Housing and Community Development- Bedding Law

“Beds in apartments and hotels that supply beds and bedding to renters must ensure

that all bedding is clean and free of bedbugs. Linens must be changed before a new occupier

occupies the unit. Hotel bedding must be changed before each new guest arrives.”

National Conference of legislatures, 2013

Call for Action! Educating the general public, pest

professionals and public health officials about bed bug identification

Following prevention methods

Prioritize IPM programs

Investigate funding opportunities to conduct more research

Share information and resources with other health professionals and housing authorities.

THANK YOU!

Reference: Berg, R. ( 2010). Bed bugs: the pesticide dilemma. Journal of Environmental Health,

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) Parasites-bed bugs. Retrieved on November 25 from http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/

Eddy, C., & Jones, S.C., (2011). Bed bugs, public health, and social justice: part 1, a call to action. Journal of Environmental Health, 73(8), 8-14.

 Goddard, J., & deShazo, R., (2009). Bed bugs (cimex lectularius) and clinical consequences of their bites. American Medical Association, 301(13),1358-1366.

 Huntington, M. K., (2012). When bed bugs bite. The Journal of Family Practice, 61(7), 384-388.

National Conference of State Legislation (2013). Sate bedbug laws. Retrieved on December 1, 2013 from http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/state-bedbug-laws.aspx#ca

 Pereira, R. M., Taylor, A.S., Lehnert, M.P., & Koehler, P.G., (2012). Potential population growth and harmful effects on humans from bed bug populations exposed to different feeding regimes. The Royal Entomological Society, 27, 148-155.