AboutEd Saugstad Expertise Will accept most questions in general entomology, including those related to medical entomology, taxonomy, ecology, arthropod surveillance, and pest management.
Experience 21 years in the U.S. Army as a medical entomologist; duties varied from surveillance of pest populations (including mosquitoes, cockroaches, ticks, and stored products pests) to conducting research on mosquito-virus ecological relationships and mosquito faunal studies. Ten years as a civilian analyst for the Department of Defense, primarily on distribution of vector-borne diseases worldwide. Limited experience on surveillance of agricultural insects in North Dakota and Indiana.
Organizations Entomological Society of America, Society for Vector Ecology, National Speleological Society.
Publications American Journal of Public Health, Contributions of the American Entomological Institute, Japanese Journal of Sanitary Zoology, Journal of Economic Entomology, Mosquito News, and Mosquito Systematics.
Education/Credentials B.S. in entomology from North Dakota State University in 1963, M.S. in entomology from Purdue University in 1967.
Expert: Ed Saugstad Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: bed bugs?
Question I recently moved into a new apartment two weeks ago. My things were in a storage unit for two weeks prior to this. After being in our new place a little under two weeks, I noticed a bug bite on my forearm. It resembled a mosquito bite in size and mild discomfort (mostly itching). The next day I noticed another bite along side my rib cage. After driving in the car today, I noticed itching on both legs and on my arm where it seemed to be recent bites. I have had cardboard and luggage in my car during the move and have heard that bugs can come through that but I am also concerned that it might be bed bugs. I checked my mattress and didn't see any spots or other indicators that I have read about, but I am unsure on what to do! any ideas?
Answer Dear Emily - Resolving situations such as you describe can be extremely difficult, as not only do most ‘bug bites’ look pretty much alike, there are several other conditions causing skin eruptions/rashes that easily can be mistaken for bites. See http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ent/ent58/ent58.pdf for a good article on this subject. Also, see http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp for one of the best compendiums on bed bugs that I have come across - it may help you decide whether or not bed bugs are a likely suspect in your case. Finally, if you tell me your state of residence, I may be able to refer you to a more local source for assistance.
Hope this helps,
Saugy
