People shy off when talking about bed bugs because they are pests that are commonly associated with poor hygiene even if this is not really the case. Contrary to what many people might think, the bugs are yet to be a thing of the past.
The United States and other countries have had a widespread of bed bug recurrences. International travel is considered to be a significant factor to the recurring bed bug infestations. This is because it is very easy for the bugs to attach to luggage and clothing, hence they can be brought home from very far. Unfortunately, when it comes to the bugs, not even the finest of hotels are spared; any property is prone to getting infested.
Bed bug facts
Contrary to what you might think, the bed bugs do not hide or live under the skin; they only suck blood from you during sleep. They pierce the skin to get gorged on blood, but it is highly unlikely that you will feel the bite.
Saliva from the parasites can get into the bitten areas, but they have not been known to cause any disease. The bites can however cause reactions such as swelling and redness of the skin around the bite and itching which can be very uncomfortable. To relieve the itch, corticosteroids and antihistamines could be prescribed. However a huge percentage of victims have no bite evidence to show making the parasites very dangerous because it can be hard to identify an infestation.
Bed bugs love hiding in mattresses, but they can also find a hiding place on chairs, sofas and behind pictures or wallpaper. They are also experts in hiding in very small cracks and crevices and since they are nocturnal, it makes it even harder to know that there is an infestation.
The pests are visible because they measure 3/8ʺ long. They, however know how to hide and you would have to be very keen to see them.
They can go for days without food; they can actually survive for a year without any food. When the females are full with blood, they can lay up to 200 eggs at a time and they lay in batches. This makes it very easy for them to increase in population, making the situation on a property much worse within a short period of time. The maturity period is also very fast adding to the problem.
Dealing with bed bug infestations
Thoroughness is really the best way of eradicating bed bugs. The fact that they can hide in other areas apart from the mattresses, disposing an infected mattress is NOT the solution. It is also important to remember that bed bugs have shown a chemical resistance according to researchers and this makes previously used chemicals ineffective in dealing with the infestations. Insecticides commonly used on insects such as roaches are also ineffective.
The best you can do when you have an infestation is to call in a professional pest control management company. The professionals know what products are effective and the techniques to use to achieve the best results.
