148 



ORDER HEMIPTERA 



ing houses and when once estabhshed in a place it is very 

 difficult to get rid of them. The life history of the species 

 is not very definitely known. 



The eggs, which are deposited upon furniture and in cracks 

 and crevices, are white and rather long and cylindrical. 

 They hatch in a few days, the yovnig are of the same shape 

 as the adult but are white. The young bugs moult five or 

 six times before they are mature. The growth is very slow 



Fig. 101. — The bed-bug {Cimcx lectularius): a, adult female gorged with 

 blood; b, the same from below; c, rudimentary wing pad; d, mouth parts. 

 a and b much enlarged; c and d, highly magnified. (Marlatt.) Relapsing 

 fever and kala azar are carried by the bed-bug. (Rosenau.) 



and irregular, all depending upon opportunities offered for 

 getting food. This species does not have a regular life-cycle 

 as insects which live out of doors under the influence of the 

 seasons. Bed-bugs can be killed with sufficient effort, cor- 

 rosive sublimate being one of the best remedies. Kerosene, 

 gasoline, or hot water prove very effective. Constant 

 attention to furniture and the destruction of those bugs 

 which appear is the most essential thing in their destruction. 

 Bed-bugs are of considerable importance from the fact that 



