Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius Linnaeus, 1758) are a
growing problem in Denver and many other cities in the United
States. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases but suck blood from
people and, once established, multiply rapidly.
This sample was collected in October 2010 in a Denver apartment.
The tenants did not inform the landlord early on about the
infestation. Without professional treatment by an experienced
exterminator bed bugs might make homes uninhabitable.
In a Science Bite released in April, and in an article in the June/July issue of the DMNS
member magazine, Catalyst, Frank Krell provides more information
about the bed bug problem. In addition, Colorado State University
Extension has recently updated their bed bug fact sheet.
Update 20 July 2011: Research on the bed bug problem
intensifies. Trapping them with baits seems to be a viable
solution. See this interview with Prof. Coby Schal from North
Carolina State University about his recently funded project to
develop a baited trap.
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