any of the small,
blood-sucking bugs of the family Cimicidae, which includes about 30
species distributed throughout the world. Bedbugs are flat-bodied, oval,
reddish brown, and about 14 in. (6 mm) long. They emit an unpleasant-smelling
oily secretion from two glands on their undersurface. All are parasites
of warm-blooded animals. Maturation from egg to adult takes about two
months in warm conditions; there may be three or four generations a
year. Control methods include steaming, spraying, and fumigating. Other
species attack bats and various kinds of bird. Bedbugs are classified
in the phylum Arthropoda , class Insecta, order Hemiptera, family Cimicidae.
DAMAGE AND CONCERNS
The common
human bedbug of temperate regions, Cimex lectularis, is largely nocturnal,
spending the day in crevices in walls and furniture and in bedding.
Its bite causes irritation in many individuals, but it is not known
to transmit diseases. It will feed on other mammals and poultry when
humans are not available and can live up to a year without feeding.
CONTROL
Control methods
include steaming, spraying, and fumigating.
Columbia Encyclopedia,
Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2004.

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Pest Control, Inc.