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84
which they have pilfered when no one in charge was
around.
After analysing the various possibilities as outlined,
I can only arrive at the conclusion that the infestation of
certain flats on the Hadrian Estate occurred by direct
importation by the tenants.
Life History.
The bug problem is beset with difficulties and to fully
appreciate these one must have some knowledge of the
life history of the insect.
The bug is generally not in evidence during the day,
but lurks unseen in crevices, cracks, bedsteads, back of
pictures and other places where it is not likely to be disturbed.
At night it is hungry and becomes active in its
search for food, often travelling some distance. To borrow
another war-time phrase, it makes sorties and then returns
to its entrenched position. Its normal food is human blood,
but it has been known to suck the blood of higher animals.
Since opportunities for feeding may be rare, the insect
prepares for long fasting by engorging itself when it has
a chance. The adult bug can exist for incredible periods
without sustenance. Specimens have been kept for over a
year without apparent injury. They can also persist throughout
the winter, even though exposed to a considerable degree
of cold. Although nothing very definite appears to be
known about the life period of the male, the mature female
probably lives on an average 6—8 months.
The white oval eggs are deposited in batches of 6 to
50 in cracks and crevioes, etc., and at first are covered with
a sticky substance which causes them to adhere to the
surface on which they are laid. The female bug is very
prolific if circumstances are favourable and during its lifetime
lays about 200 eggs. A full meal, if available, is
taken before ovipositing, but if food is lacking or the
winter temperature low, domestic affairs are at a low ebb.
The young bugs, which somewhat resemble their parents,
hatch out in about 7—10 days. Before they reach maturity
they moult five times in a period of 7—11 weeks, but under
perfectly normal conditions this process may last 6 months
or even a year. The young bug generally partakes a meal
before each moult.
Preventive Measures.
1. Public Health Department to be notified of addresses
of intending tenants three weeks before taking up
residence in new house.