What do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal.
One common sign of an infestation is bite marks on the face, neck, arms, or hands. However, these bite marks may take up to 14 days to appear. It is important to check for other signs, like spotting bugs or dark spots in bedding, when determining if there’s a bed bug problem.
Where did bed bugs originate?
Bed bug parasites reside all over the world. The infestation rates in the developed countries had decreased from the ‘30s to the ‘80s. However, their numbers have been greatly increasing since the ‘80s. Before this, they were still rather common in the developing parts of the world, but extremely rare in the developed world.
Infestations began increasing even more rapidly over the past few years. The current number of bed bug infestations is similar to the mid-century numbers that were seen. The number of infestations is still on the rise.
Despite the fact that they became resistant to DDT within several years, we were still able to control them with the use of other chlorinated hydrocarbons like lindane. An organo phosphate insecticide known as malathion was also used.
By the mid ‘50s, they were not a major pest in the household, now only an occasional pest. Generally, they would be found in settings that were socially depressed or in areas with other rather unusual circumstances. Every so often a problem may arise in a prison, shelter, cabin, or youth hostel, but nearly never in hotels or homes.
What has caused the bed bug resurgence seen today?
Pest control professionals and Entomologists have several reasonable theories pertaining to why the problems with these bugs have increased. Here are some of the possible reasons; however, no one is certain.
Increased Travel Worldwide
People travel globally for business and pleasure, moving frequently between countries. This travel often leads to the spread of pests. Infestations in one area can be transported to another through various means.
Bugs can attach to the body, clothing or luggage, allowing them to move from one country to another. They are commonly found in airplanes, including cargo holds, and can spread further during overnight stays in hotels, motels, or inns.
A Change in Bed Bug Control Practices
Previously hotel rooms were usually treated regularly with residual pesticides. Because of this, these bugs that were introduced during travel would generally be exposed to that pesticide once they left their transport source to travel to the bed.
These kinds of
residual pesticide applications monthly or even quarterly treatments for other pests would control any new infestations. Currently, insecticide baits are commonly used as a substitute for the traditional sprays.
However, the baits are specifically designed for a certain type of pest like ants or cockroaches. There is no bait used for the blood-feeding insects.
Increase in the Use of Secondhand Merchandise
Thrift stores, flea markets, antique stores, and garage sales are more popular than ever. However, buying secondhand items from these places can increase the risk of a pest problem, especially with bed bugs hiding in used furniture or clothing.
Picking up furniture from the side of the road can also introduce bed bugs into your home, as they often hide in cracks and crevices.
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