Teacher’s Questions for Bedbugs

By Science News Explores

Teacher’s Questions for Bedbugs

SCIENCE

Before reading:

  1. Describe what you know about bedbugs.

  2. Why are bedbugs a problem for people?

During reading:

  1. Have bedbugs always been as numerous as they are today? When and why did the bedbug population decrease? When and why did it increase?

  2. Name two harmful bacteria that bedbugs carry. Name another species that carries the bacteria.

  3. Explain what causes a bedbug bite to swell and itch.

  4. List five places where bedbugs can live.

  5. Do bedbugs need humans to live? Name three other creatures that the pests feed on.

  6. How often do bedbugs feed?

  7. How do bedbugs find people to feed on? What two smells don’t attract bedbugs?

  8. Describe two ways that bedbugs communicate with each other using chemicals.

  9. List three ways to get rid of bedbugs once they’re in your home.

  10. Other than finding the bedbugs themselves, what are two things you can look for when searching for evidence of the pests?

After reading:

  1. If you were a scientist studying bedbugs, would you let them feed on you for research purposes? Explain why or why not.

  2. Can you think of another tiny creature found in human beds that also causes an allergic reaction in many people? Hint: It doesn’t feed on human blood, but rather our dead skin scales (dander) that flake off!

SOCIAL STUDIES

  1. Do you think hotels should have to disclose whether they’ve ever had bedbugs? Would you stay at a hotel that had bedbugs 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, or 1 year ago?