Bedbugs of Poultry

The bedbug (Cimex lectularius) is a common blood-feeding parasite of humans. It can also feed on many other warm-blooded animals, including poultry.

Bedbugs spend most of their time off the host, in cracks and crevices (see bedbug infestation image); they travel to the host to feed at night. Because of this life history, bedbugs are rare in modern caged laying operations. Bedbugs require a more complex environment (eg, nest boxes) and can become problematic in furnished-cage or cage-free layer facilities, breeding or broiler houses, pigeon lofts, etc.

Bedbug infestation

Image

Courtesy of Cornell Veterinary Entomology.

Adult bedbugs are dorsoventrally flattened, dark brown, and approximately the size of an apple seed. Nymphs are smaller and lighter brown. Bedbug eggs are laid in cracks and crevices and hatch after 4–12 days. The five nymphal instars all feed on blood and last 3–10 days each.

The entire bedbug life cycle (egg to adult) requires 24–128 days, depending on ambient temperature (30°C [86°F] is optimal). Bedbugs can survive for weeks to months without feeding.

Bedbug infestations cause irritation and blood loss to birds. Bedbugs have not been found to vector any diseases.

If attacked by large numbers of bedbugs, birds can become irritable and anemic. Bites are usually followed by swelling and itching because of the injection of bedbug saliva into the wound.

Signs of bedbug infestation on poultry include the following:

• bug fecal droppings on eggs and nest boxes

• breast and leg skin lesions

• decreased egg production

• increased feed consumption

Control of bedbugs is best accomplished by thoroughly cleaning the houses or enclosures. This includes disposing of all bedding, decreasing hiding places for the bedbugs, using high-heat treatments (at least 48.3°C [119°F]), and/or fumigating the houses. Bedbugs tend to be resistant to insecticides. For more information, see the list of pesticides for treating poultry arthropods registered by state jurisdiction.