Bed Bugs Research Paper

1830 Words8 Pages

What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are scientifically known as Cimex lectularuis (Cimicidae).Bed bugs are small wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm blooded animals. As humans are warm-blooded animals, they are perfect hosts. Some modern bed bugs have learnt to adapt to human environments and live in our nests for example our homes and generally our beds. They have oval shaped flat bodies. They got they name because they prefer areas such as: sofas, bed mattresses and other soft furnishings. Bed bugs are seen as a problem that is slowing increasing they are found in private homes, dormitories, cruise ships, shelters and army barracks. On 12th December 2011 SRI international found out that bed bugs can inbreed and still produce healthy offspring. …show more content…

Bed bugs normally feed on the host well they are asleep. The host gives the bed bug blood in a painless way, not even knowing what is happening. A small amount of saliva is put into the host’s skin, while they feed. The host soon becomes allergic to the saliva if the bed bugs feed on the hosts blood for several weeks. When humans realise they have been bitten they think they were bitten by an insect or simply a …show more content…

Steamers deliver lethal temperatures to where bed bugs could be hiding. Steam is also very effective when bed bugs are on the surface of an item. Steam also can get into the cracks and crevices where bed bugs may be hiding. An effective way of killing the bed bugs is that the surface temperature should be at least 150-180°F immediately after the steam brush has been put on. They explain how to use a steamer: Attach a nozzle to the steamer ward. Then they explain that the surface must reach a temperature range of 160-180°F. If the temperature is below this, the bed bugs will survive and if temperatures are above 180°F, you will damage the item you use your steamer on. The fabric of the item you use the steamer on can be DAMP but not wet. Once you are complete, you have to use a fan in an area that circulates air and helps dry items you steamed. You have to repeat this process a few times for it to be successful. Finally, they warn us about how dangerous a steamer could be and strongly suggest that we read the manual before using the steamer. It is possible that the steamer burns