THE BEDBUG. 
5 
below freezing, for a considerable period. The eggs and newly 
hatched larvae, however, succumb to a temperature below freezing, 
if this condition is prolonged for from 15 days to a month. The 
feeding and developing activity of the insect practically ceases at 
60 ° F., the insect remaining quiescent and in semihibernation at 
temperatures below this point. The most favorable temperatures 
for activity are between 60 ° and 98 ° F. The activity of the insect 
is controlled entirely by temperature and food supply, and, there¬ 
fore, in heated houses the insect may remain active throughout the 
winter. There is some protection in winter, therefore, in sleeping in 
cold bedrooms.” 
“The Bite of the Bedbug. 
“The bite of the bedbug is decidedly poisonous to some individuals, 
resulting in a slight swelling and disagreeable inflammation. To such 
persons the presence of bedbugs is sufficient to cause the greatest 
uneasiness, if not to put sleep and rest entirely out of the question. 
With others, however, who are less sensitive, the presence of the bugs 
may not be recognized at all, and, except for the occasional staining 
of the linen by a crushed individual, their presence might be entirely 
overlooked. The inflammation experienced by sensitive persons 
seems to result chiefly from the puncture of the skin by the sharp 
piercing setse which constitute the puncturing element of the mouth 
parts, as there seems to be no secretion of poison other than the 
natural fluids of the mouth. 
“ The biting organ of the bedbug is similar to that of other insects 
of its order. It consists of a rather heavy, fleshy under lip (the only 
part ordinarily seen in examining the insect), within which lie four 
thread-like hard filaments or setae which glide over one another with 
an alternating motion and pierce the flesh. The blood is drawn up 
through the beak, which is closely applied to the point of puncture, 
and the alternating motion of the setae in the flesh causes the blood 
to flow more freely. 
“To allay the irritation set up by the bite of the bedbug, peroxide 
of hydrogen or dioxygen may be used with good results. 
“Tincture of iodine either at ordinary or double strength is also a 
good counter irritant for use in cases of flea, mosquito, bedbug, and 
other insect bites, but should be used with caution on the tender 
skin of small children and on those who are affected with or disposed 
to eczemic disorders.” 
“Natural Enemies of the Bedbug. 
“Living always in houses as it does and being well concealed, the 
bedbug is not normally subject to much if any control by natural 
enemies. Certain other household insects, however, do occasionally 
prey upon the bedbug, as, for example, the house centipede and the 
