bat bug
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 Cimex pilosellus
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Genus Cimex
Genus Leptocimex
Genus Haematosiphon
Genus Oeciacus
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Bat bugs are blood-sucking insects of the family Cimicidae that are closely related to the bedbug. They are so-named because they feed primarily on the blood of bats, although they will bite humans if necessary. Bat bugs are so similar to bedbugs that they are often mistaken; microscopic examination is needed to distinguish them.[1]
Bat bugs are moderately common in the midwest, and are found in houses and buildings that harbor bats.
Bat bugs feed on blood from bats, but when they wander away from the bat roost area, they will feed on other warm-blooded animals, including people. This feeding is an annoyance but is not dangerous. Bat bugs have not been found to transmit any diseases.
Bat bugs are also known for their unique form of reproduction. Males inseminate the female by piercing the female's abdomen and depositing sperm directly into her bloodstream. In response to this, female bat bugs have evolved a paragenital structure on their abdomen that limits the damage by guiding the male's sharp penile prong into a spongey area full of immune cells.[2]
Controlling bat bugs requires the elimination of any bats that are present in the home or building. This is accomplished by exclusion techniques also known as "building them out" (i.e., sealing entrance cracks and holes). Residual sprays such as deltamethrin sprayed into all cracks and crevices, especially light fixtures and window casings, may help to control the bugs. However, the only way to get rid of the infestation is to first exclude the primary host population. The best time to seal bats out of the house is in late fall. In addition to eliminating the bats you must control the bugs themselves. Again, this can be done by applying residual insecticides labeled for indoor use against bat bugs to cracks, crevices, or other bat bug hiding places. Spraying without eliminating the bats will probably provide short-term, temporary benefit but is not likely to completely control the problem.
References
- ^ Jones, Susan C.; Kyle K. Jordan. "Bat Bugs". Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet. Ohio State University. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
- ^ "Gender-bending bugs take battle of sexes to new heights", AFP (via Yahoo! News), 19 September 2007. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
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