Bed Bugs - Any Problem Back Home?

[BobM]

According to many posts on this forum, bed bugs were a real problem in 2006. Having suffered over 80 bites on another trip that itched maddeningy for 2 weeks, I am not anxious to repeat that experience on my CF in May!

If bedbugs are spread by pilgrims, this implies that human beings can carry eggs (or maybe small bugs) from place to place - even (shudder) back home. Has anyone experienced that nightmare?

And can anyone point us to an authoritative link on the natural history of bed bugs so we can see how these little critters live, breed and spread?

Regards

Bob M

 

[Peter Robins]

Wikipedia's page is a good place to start http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedbug

"People can often acquire bedbugs at hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts, thanks to increased domestic and international tourism, and bring them back to their homes in their luggage."

 

[Magnara]

Are bedbugs dormant in winter? Do they die off? We did not have a single bite all the way from SJPP in December/January this year and stayed in plenty of places that could easily have had them.
Magnara

 

[BobM]

Thx for excellent info re bedbugs

Much obliged to Peter Robins for the Wikipedia link. Another one I later found that is almost as good is:
http://www.medscape.com/files/emedicine/topic600.htm

The key takeaways for me are:
1. Taking bedbugs home is definitely possible.
2. Sleeping nude is not a good idea (bedbugs feed on exposed skin)! Maybe pilgrims who reported no problems also slept well-clad.
3. Hatchlings need to feed several times before reaching adulthood, so maybe winter (fewer pilgrims) reduces infestations.
4. Severe infestations create a distinctive, sickly-sweet smell.

Regards
Bob Muirhead