Apparatus For Controlling Bedbugs

Abstract

A portable apparatus for the collection of bedbugs, their eggs, their larvae, their debris, and their feces has a vacuum-producing motor disposed within a housing. A collection port is used to draw the bedbugs into the housing along a flow path to a collection chamber featuring a variable environment sufficient to kill the bedbugs. The collection chamber can be heated or cooled, can contain insecticidal substances, or ultraviolet radiation sufficient for killing the collected bedbugs. The flow rate and temperature ranges are adjustable to create sufficient heat and time of contact to kill selected organisms. The apparatus is especially useful for treating bedbug infestations in their natural environment without the need for toxic chemicals, long-term treatments that make the space being treated uninhabitable and other more extreme treatment regimens.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/394,677, filed Oct. 19, 2010 and entitled “Apparatus and Method for Controlling Bedbugs”, and is a continuation-in-part application based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/277,105, filed Oct. 19, 2011 and entitled “Apparatus and Method for Controlling Bedbugs”, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an apparatus for collection and eradication of organisms and more specifically to the collection and eradication of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, bedbug eggs, and debris and feces thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The bedbug, a well-known pest, has enjoyed a recent resurgence. While theories and explanations for the cause of increased numbers of bedbugs are many, the most frequently expressed are the discontinuance of lethal pesticides, a growing resistance to pesticides, and the presence of bedbugs and larvae in imported goods and packaging for goods. It has been reported that bedbugs cannot survive a temperature above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Centigrade), and various devices and methods have attempted to take advantage of this fact.

One example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,690,148 (Hedman) teaches and describes a method of treating pests which comprises heating an enclosed space to a temperature above that necessary to kill insects such as bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and eggs. The '148 patent and related U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,892,491 and 6,327,812 all describe variations of this approach to controlling insect infestations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,238 teaches and describes a biological vacuum device to enhance environmental quality in which a vacuum cleaner has a vacuum wand and a heated air exhaust tube. Heated air from the exhaust tube is used to flush bedbugs from their hiding places while the vacuum wand is used to collect them.

The foregoing patents are incorporated herein by reference as fully as if they had been set forth in their entireties herein.

Heating an entire enclosed space such as a residence is time consuming, costly, requires a great deal of equipment, is not adapted to be performed often and may damage some of the contents of the space. The use of the device described in the '238 patent requires visual location and identification of insects and further requires the collected insects, which may still be alive, to be properly killed.

Since the late 1990s, bed bugs of the species Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus have undergone a worldwide resurgence. Such bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that readily bite humans. Skin reactions may occur as small macular lesions that can develop into distinctive wheals of about 2 inches in diameter, which may be accompanied by intense itching. Bullous eruptions may occur. Where bed bugs are numerous, the patient may have widespread urticaria or erythematous rashes. Bites tend to occur in lines along the limbs.

There are more than 40 pathogens that have been detected within bed bugs, but there is no definitive evidence that bed bugs transmit any disease-causing organisms to humans. Anemia may result when bed bugs are numerous, and their allergens can trigger asthmatic reactions. The misuse of chemicals and other technologies for controlling bed bugs may have a deleterious impact on human health, including significant psychological trauma. The control of bed bugs is challenging and should encompass a multidisciplinary approach utilizing nonchemical means of control and the judicious use of insecticides.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor of the present invention has determined that the collection and eradication of bedbugs may be accomplished through the use of a combination vacuum and heating device which is of a convenient size, may be used frequently and will not only collect but kill adult bedbugs and their larvae and eggs within the device and its collection system.

The inventor of the present invention has discovered how to provide a portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs. The apparatus has a body with a collection port at one end of the body, a collection chamber at another end of the body for retaining the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs, and a handle for gripping the body. The apparatus further has a fan assembly in communication with the collection port for drawing a vacuum to create an airstream through the collection port to the collection chamber for aspiration of the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs. The collection chamber has a variable environment sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

One form of the portable apparatus has a variable environment that is at least one of: (1) a temperature change sufficient to kill the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs; and (2) an ultraviolet radiation increase sufficient to kill the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

In one form of the portable apparatus, the temperature change is generated by at least one thermal grid in communication with the airstream.

In one form of the portable apparatus, the temperature change is generated by a thermal mass heated to a temperature sufficient to kill the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

In another form of the portable apparatus, the temperature change is adjustable by a user of the portable apparatus.

In one form of the portable apparatus, the ultraviolet radiation increase is adjustable by a user of the portable apparatus.

In one form of the portable apparatus, the temperature of the collection chamber is increased to at least 115 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of time sufficient to kill the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

In another form of the portable apparatus, the temperature of the collection chamber is increased to between 115 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of time sufficient to kill the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

In yet another form of the portable apparatus, the collection chamber further comprises a removable bag.

In another form of the portable apparatus, at least a portion of the removable bag is formed from an electrically conductive material whereby electrical energy can be applied to the electrically conductive material to raise the temperature of the electrically conductive material to a degree sufficient to kill the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

In another form of the portable apparatus, the removable bag is disposable.

In one form of the portable apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a flexible, elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end attached to the collection port, and a nozzle attached to the flexible, elongate member distal end for aspirating bedbugs from restricted spaces.

In another form of the portable apparatus, the nozzle includes a light for locating the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

In yet another form of the portable apparatus, the nozzle includes a magnifying glass for locating the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

In yet another form of the portable apparatus, the fan assembly is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the airstream.

In yet another form of the portable apparatus, the apparatus has a mechanical forcing mechanism in communication with the airstream at a location intermediate the collection port and the collection chamber. The mechanical forcing mechanism is for mechanically degrading the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs prior to the at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs reaching the collection chamber. The mechanical forcing mechanism may be used in addition to, or separate from, a variable environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further aspects of the present invention may best be appreciated upon consideration of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic perspective view of the assembled portable apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a nozzle for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1 using a rotary brush;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a nozzle for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1 having a flexible and deformable perimeter;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a crevice wand for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of another collection wand for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of another collection wand for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional perspective view of a thermal collection bag for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a thermal grid screen for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another thermal grid screen for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a rotatable fan for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a collection chamber with conductive portions for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a nozzle having an integral magnifying glass and light for the portable apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a chart listing temperatures and kill times for various organisms; and

FIG. 15 is a partial schematic perspective view of a mechanical forcing mechanism that may be included in the portable apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the following describes a preferred embodiment or embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that this description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is expected that alterations and further modifications, as well as other and further applications of the principles of the present invention will occur to others skilled in the art to which the invention relates and, while differing from the foregoing, remain within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described and claimed.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 identifies generally a portable apparatus or cleaner for the collection of bedbugs and larvae and eggs. Cleaner 10 has a body 12 with a collection port 20 at one end. A nozzle 14 may be removably attached to the collection port 20. Nozzle 14 has a nozzle port 16 at one end thereof communicating with a neck 18 which, in turn, is inserted into collection port 20 of body 12. A handle 22 is attached to the exterior of cleaner body 12. The cleaner 10 may be provided without the any nozzle 14. In some applications the body 12 may be built into a stationary structure and the body 12 need not be provided with a handle 22, and further need not be portable.

Shown schematically in FIG. 1 are collection grids 24, 26 and 28, a collection bag 30 and a source of ultraviolet light 32.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of cleaner 10 is shown. In particular, body 12 is shown as having been removed to reveal the placement of vacuum motor or fan assembly 34 and thermal grids 26 and 28. In the embodiment shown, grids 24, 26 and 28 and motor 34 are preferably permanently mounted in front housing 36. A power cord 38 is used to provide electrical energy to grids 24, 26 and 28 and motor 34.

It is a feature of the present invention that the grids 24, 26 and 28, or any selected number of similar grids are electrically energized and heated to a temperature above that temperature at which bedbugs, their larvae and eggs are destroyed thus creating a first variable environment to kill the bedbugs, their larvae, and eggs. It is also a feature that one or more of grids 24, 26 and 28 is charged with a sufficient electrical voltage to destroy bedbugs, their larvae and eggs.

As has presently been reported in the prior art, exposure to 115 degrees Fahrenheit for seven minutes will kill all forms of bedbugs, larvae and eggs. For purposes of convenience throughout the term “bedbug organisms” shall be understood to include bedbugs, their larvae and eggs, as well as any other insects or pests to be collected.

It is anticipated that heating grids 24, 26 and 28 to a temperature higher than 115 degrees Fahrenheit may cause the destruction of the bedbug organism in a shorter time span.

When motor 34 is energized, a vacuum is drawn through nozzle 14 allowing the bedbug organisms to be collected and thereafter directed to housing 36 and grids 24, 26 and 28. After passing through grids 24, 26 and 28, the bedbug organisms are directed to a collection bag 30 in body 12. When collection is complete, bag 30 is emptied in a manner which will prevent the re-entry of any collected bedbug organisms into the space just cleaned. The body 12, including any collection bag 30 therein, may be collectively referred to as a collection chamber.

In the embodiment shown, an ultraviolet light 32 is positioned within collection chamber thus creating a second variable environment to kill the bedbugs, their larvae, and eggs. It is believed that the presence of ultraviolet light 32 may have an efficacious effect on the destruction of any bedbug organisms that may survive passage through grids 24, 26 and 28. A third variable environment may be created by lowering the temperature of the collection chamber such as through a heat exchanger and working fluid. The working fluid transports heat to the outside of the body 12. When the variable environment is in the form of a lowered temperature, the temperature will approach freezing conditions for a sufficient time period to kill bedbugs, bedbug eggs, and bedbug larvae.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the numeral 40 identifies a vacuum nozzle having a connection neck 42 and a body 44 within which a rotating brush 46 is located. Use of brush 46 provides agitation of the surfaces being vacuumed which, it is anticipated will dislodge bedbug organisms, molting of bedbugs, and bedbug feces.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the numeral 48 identifies a nozzle having a collection stem 50, a body 52 and a flexible, pliable and distortable lip 54, useful for wedging nozzle 48 into unusually configured spaces.

It is known that bedbugs lay their eggs in such hiding places in bedding as sewn seams, and that adult bedbugs as well as their larvae will conceal themselves in small cracks and crevices. To make collection of bedbug organisms more efficient, collection nozzles such as those shown in FIGS. 5-7 may be used.

In FIG. 5, the numeral 56 identifies a nozzle having a body 58 sized to fit into port 20 of the cleaning apparatus (not shown) and a tapered tip 60 formed as a “crevice tool” to allow tip 60 to be inserted into smaller and more hidden spaces.

Referring to FIG. 6, the numeral 62 identifies a nozzle having a connecting neck 64, a hollow body 66 and a nozzle end 68 formed in a flattened configuration tapering from a larger dimension at mouth 70 to a smaller dimension where nozzle 68 meets body 66 at 72. Such a configuration provides for a nozzle which will fit into confined spaces and which, due to the tapered configuration of nozzle 68 will accelerate the flow of air into body 66 and, thereby, into cleaner 10.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the numeral 74 identifies a nozzle having a body 76, at one end of which a flattened, broadened and angled collection port 78 is formed and at the other end of which a port 80 is formed sized to be accommodated by port 20 in cleaner 10.

Referring to FIG. 8, a modified collection bag is identified by the numeral 82. Bag 82 has a bag inlet 84 and defines a collection chamber 86 within bag 82.

At the bottom of collection chamber 86 is a thermal mass 88 capable of absorbing and holding heat for a period of time. Thermal material such as sand, or other heat capturing material are suitable for this purpose.

Operation of cleaner 10 may now be described. A vacuum device is used to collect bedbug organisms and direct the past and into components in the device that are heated to a sufficient degree to kill the organisms. In one embodiment, thermal grids 24, 26 and 28 are positioned within housing 36 and are heated electrically to a temperature sufficient to kill bedbug organisms. When motor 34 is energized air is drawn through a selected nozzle such as 14 and, thereby, through housing 36, collected bedbug organisms will be brought into contact with one or more grids 24, 26 and 28 and destroyed by the heat produced by said grids. Thereafter, the destroyed bedbug organisms are collected and held within bag 30 inside body 12. When vacuuming is complete, body 12 is removed and bag 30 is emptied. UV light 32 provides a source of control for those adults, larvae or eggs that may survive the trip into bag 30.

In another embodiment, bag 82 is used to collect vacuumed bedbug organisms after thermal mass 88 has been heated to a temperature sufficiently high to kill them. Controls are provided to not only energize and heat the thermal mass 88 but to keep it at a killing temperature for a sufficient time to effect full eradication of the insects collected even when power to the motor 34 may be interrupted.

In a third embodiment, cleaner 10 includes grids 24, 26 and 28, and bag 82 with thermal mass 88. In this manner, killing of bedbug organisms will occur early on at the grids, and thereafter, within bag 82.

Due to the heat produced by elements such as grids 24, 26 and 28, motor 34 will be manufactured from heat-resistant components, such as ceramic parts used in other heated fan-driven devices such as hair dryers and the like.

The invention has been depicted herein as a hand held, portable unit small enough and maneuverable enough to be picked up and run along mattresses, beneath beds, in corners and the like. It is also contemplated that the foregoing operations can be included in full sized room type vacuum device which may also include a wand extending from the vacuum cleaner and used to collect insect material from smaller or more restricted places. The schematic of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 2 where a hose 90 is shown connected to housing 36. Hose 90 has a port 92 to which nozzles such as those shown in FIGS. 3-7 are attachable.

Airflow through cleaner 10 can be adjusted to provide more contact time with grids 24, 26 and 28 to make the destruction of bedbug organisms more efficient. In like fashion, circuit controls can be provided to adjust the temperature and the time of heating within thermal mass 88 to ensure more efficient and thorough destruction of bedbug organisms, collecting and destroying a variety of insects and microorganisms, and the description of the present invention with respect to control of bedbugs should not be read as a limitation of the scope of the present invention.

It is also a feature of the invention that in other embodiments the heated portions of the system (the plates and the collector bag) are turned off and the system is used as a conventional vacuum cleaner. REPA and other filters can also be used to screen air exhausted from the device to trap unwanted particles, including parts of bedbug organisms.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the numeral 94 indicates generally a circular fixed grid suitable for use as plate 24 to 26 or 28. Grid 94 has an outer grid rim 96 and a plurality of horizontal rods 98 intersecting with a plurality of vertical rods 100 to form a pattern of substantially rectilinear spaces through which the air flow from apparatus 10 is directed. Grid 94 is preferably formed from a material that conducts heat efficiently to achieve sufficiently high temperatures to kill the organisms drawn in to contact therewith.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the numeral 102 identifies generally another embodiment of a fixed grid having an outer rim 104 within which are fastened a plurality of horizontally curved rods 106 intersecting with a plurality of vertically curved rods 108. A space is defined by ribs 106 and 108 vary in size and shape and provide a varied contact area for organisms drawn through grid 102. As with grid 94, grid 102 can be used as one or more of plates 24, 26 or 28.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the numeral 110 identifies generally a fan-type plate having an outer supporting frame 112 in which a fan assembly having a plurality of blades 114 is supported. Blades 114 are rotatably mounted to a hub 116. Assembly 110 may be powered by a motor, such as an electric motor (not shown) or blades 114 may be angled such that fan assembly 110 rotates in the air stream drawn through apparatus 10.

It is anticipated that fan assembly 110 will provide a mechanical killing force to organisms drawn through when organisms drawn through blades 114 contact said organisms. It may also be a feature of fan assembly 110 to heat blades 114 to temperatures sufficient to add an additional killing element. As described above, an assembly 110 may be used as one or more plates 24, 26, or 28.

It is also a feature of the present invention that fan assemblies such as 110 may be mounted to grids such as fixed grids 94 and 102, preferably in the center of each. In addition to the mechanical killing capability of fan assemblies such as 110 it is also expected that the air flow provided by such fan assemblies will also assist in clearing the grids of organisms that may become attached thereto. For example, fan assembly such as 110 positioned between a pair of fixed grids such as 94 or 102 can produce a vacuum sufficient to a draft to pull organisms off the front of the upstream grid without blowing them from the rear of the downstream grid.

Referring to FIG. 12, the numeral 118 identifies generally a killing chamber to be used to collect and kill organisms drawn through cleaner 10. Chamber 118 is a generally conical wall 120 with an open end 122 and a closed end 124. A fine mesh 126 can be used as an exhaust for air drawn into chamber 118. Mesh 126 may also be formed of a conductive material such as stainless steel and heated to a temperature sufficient to kill any organisms that survive the trip to collector 118. A mounting flange 128 is provided to attach chamber 118 within the body 12 of the cleaner 10. It is a feature of the invention that chamber 118 can be easily removed, washed and returned to service.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the numeral 130 identifies generally another embodiment of a collection wand having a tubular body 132 terminating at a first end 134 at a port attachable to port 92 of hose 90. Wand 130 also has a collection port 136 at its distal end.

A magnifier 138 is mounted to the distal end of wand 130 to assist a user in locating dead bugs and their eggs and larvae for collection. Wand 130 also includes a light 140 formed proximate collection port 136 to provide additional assistance in locating adult bed bugs, their eggs and larvae for collection and destruction. It is understood that positions of magnifier 138 and light 140 may be varied to provide for a desired view of the area to be treated. It is also understood that expedients such as magnifier 138 and light 140 may also be included in the various collection nozzles described hereinabove.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a chart is provided that informs the user of the time in minutes to eliminate 100 percent of various insect populations at various temperatures. For example, at 115 degrees Fahrenheit it will take approximately 480 minutes to destroy 100 percent of bedbug eggs, 90 minutes to destroy 100 percent of the bed bug adult insect population, 58 minutes to destroy 100 percent of German cockroaches collected, 123 minutes to destroy 100 percent of any flour beetles collected, 265 minutes to destroy 100 percent of any dry wood termite nymphs collected, and 8 minutes to destroy 100 percent of any Argentine adult ants collected.

The chart of FIG. 14 demonstrates that, at a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, 100 percent of bedbug eggs and adults are destroyed in less than one minute while destruction of German cockroaches takes 7 minutes, adult flour beetles takes 4 minutes, dry wood termite nymphs takes 6 minutes and adult Argentine ants takes 1 minute. It can readily be seen that designing a collection apparatus with the capability of maintaining temperatures in the 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit range will provide superior killing times and qualities for bedbug eggs and adults and improved qualities for destroying other insects. According to Doggett et al., in “Bed bugs: clinical relevance and control options”, published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews 25(1): 164-92, which is fully incorporated herein, it has further been shown that bedbugs may be killed after being subjected to a temperature of less than about 1 degree Fahrenheit for a period of about two hours.

It is a feature of the present invention to have a collection chamber capable of maintaining a steady temperature in a range sufficiently high or low enough to kill selected organisms within a relatively short time period. To that effect, kill chamber 118 can include an electrically energized heat sink, positioned proximate mesh 126 to provide an additional killing capability for collected insects.

Referring to FIG. 15, a partial schematic view of a mechanical forcing mechanism 1000 is shown, which may be optionally included in the portable apparatus 10. The mechanical forcing mechanism 1000 illustrated in FIG. 15 is comprised of two rollers 1010 and 1020, which may be in rolling or spaced apart a sufficient degree to mechanically degrade, crush, pulverize bedbugs, larvae, eggs, and/or their debris. One or both of the rollers 1010 and 1020 may be driven. A transfer belt 1030 may be provided for transferring the bedbugs, larvae, eggs, and their debris from a vacuum inlet port 1040 through a duct or funnel 1050, through the rollers 1010 and 1020, and into a collection chamber 1060 for further processing or degradation. The belt 1030 may further be charged to transport the bedbugs, larvae, eggs, and/or their debris electrostatically. The location of the mechanical forcing mechanism 1000 may be anywhere in the airstream of the apparatus 10, but it is preferably located intermediate the inlet port 1040 of the vacuum and the collection chamber 1060. Inclusion of the forcing mechanism 1000 can decrease the number of, or the energy required for, the other processing steps or killing means for ensuring destruction of the aspirated bedbugs, larvae, eggs, and their debris. In some embodiments of the apparatus 10, the forcing mechanism 1000 may be used alone, as the sole means to destroy or otherwise kill aspirated bedbugs, larvae, eggs, and their debris.

While the forcing mechanism 1000 is illustrated as a pair of rollers 1010 and 1020, other mechanisms for crushing or otherwise mechanically degrading the bedbugs, larvae, eggs, and their debris may be used, such as contacting or near-contacting cams, plates, gears, or any combination thereof.

The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs, said apparatus comprising:

a body having a collection port at one end of said body, a collection chamber at another end of said body for retaining said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs, and a handle for gripping said body;

a fan assembly in communication with said collection port for drawing a vacuum to create an airstream through said collection port to said collection chamber for aspiration of said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs;

wherein said collection chamber has a variable environment sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

2. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 1 wherein said variable environment is at least one of:

(1) a temperature change sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs; and

(2) an ultraviolet radiation increase sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

3. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature change is generated by at least one thermal grid in communication with said airstream.

4. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature change is generated by a thermal mass heated to a temperature sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

5. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature change is adjustable by a user of said portable apparatus.

6. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature change is a decrease in temperature of said collection chamber.

7. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 6 wherein the temperature of said collection chamber is decreased to less than five degrees Fahrenheit.

8. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 2 wherein said ultraviolet radiation increase is adjustable by a user of said portable apparatus.

9. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature of said collection chamber is increased to at least 115 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of time sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

10. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature of said collection chamber is increased to between 115 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of time sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

11. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 1 wherein said collection chamber further comprises a removable bag.

12. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 9 wherein at least a portion of said removable bag is formed from an electrically conductive material whereby electrical energy can be applied to said electrically conductive material to raise the temperature of said electrically conductive material to a degree sufficient to kill said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

13. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 9 wherein said removable bag is disposable.

14. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 1 further comprising a flexible, elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end attached to said collection port, and a nozzle attached to said flexible, elongate member distal end for aspirating said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs from restricted spaces.

15. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 12 wherein said nozzle includes a light for locating said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

16. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 12 wherein said nozzle includes a magnifying glass for locating said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs.

17. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 1 wherein said fan assembly is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of said airstream.

18. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 1 further comprising a mechanical forcing mechanism in communication with said airstream at a location intermediate said collection port and said collection chamber, said mechanical forcing mechanism for mechanically degrading said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs prior to said at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs reaching said collection chamber.

19. The portable apparatus for the collection and destruction of at least one of bedbugs, bedbug larvae, and bedbug eggs as recited in claim 18 wherein said mechanical forcing mechanism includes a pair of opposing rollers.