When it is daytime bed bugs prefer to situate themselves in areas people normally sleep on. Their small bodies enable them to fit in the narrowest of spaces, especially those related with basebords, crevasses on mattresses, and pillow cases. Unlike ants or bees, bed bugs do not congregate in just one area alone.
The problems with bed bugs go back as far, as documented, as medieval Europe and classical Greek during the time of Aristotle. Bed bugs were already known to feast on wild hosts mainly birds and bats.
Bed bugs were a huge problem especially before World War II due to the poor focus on cleanliness and proper hygiene. However, the bugs nearly vanished in the 1940’s and 1950’s because of the widespread use of various pesticides. However, less effective pesticides and reforms in pest control methods enabled these creatures to make a comeback and again become a pest in society.
The adult bed bugs are normally confused for ticks or tiny roaches, as they are approximately ¼ inch in length with flat and hard bodies. These insects can move swiftly in floors, ceiling, walls and other surfaces, but even though they have wings they cannot take flight. The female bed bugs can lay as many as 500 eggs during their lifespan and choose inconspicuous areas to make their move.
As soon as the female eggs hatch, the baby bugs or nymphs can fully develop in as little time as a month. Cool areas or where there is no access to blood will prolong the development time. The nymphs can live for several months without feasting, while the adults can last for around a year.
People that are asleep counting sheep are normally the prime targets of bed bugs. A person who is being bitten may not even notice that he has become dinner for the bed bug, as engorgement normally lasts for around three minutes or even less than that. Bite scars result in a red welt or slight swelling of the skin, depending on how sensitive the person’s skin is.
People that are traveling often, do not regularly clean their beds or use pre-owned beds, should be concerned that they will sooner or later be attacked by bed bugs. However, bed bugs are not considered a serious disease threat, as there is only a small chance that they can transmit any harmful virus to humans. Those that want to prevent complications from bed bug bites should spread antibiotic cream or antiseptic to the infected area of the body.
In addition, it is best not to scratch the infected area, as depending on how sensitive your skin is you could expand the rash even more. Similar to mosquito bites, scratching only makes the infection worse.
The proliferation of bed bugs has been a problem for many hundreds of years. The length of time they have been causing headaches indicate that the perfect way control them has yet to be developed. It is wise for a person with a bed bug issue to hire a professional exterminator to help remedy their dilemma.
Those with extensive experience in the pest control industry should know where bed bugs settle. To aid the pest solvers, clients should at least clean their surroundings from excess clutter. The inspectors could be forced to search in nearby rooms, as bed bugs have the ability to disperse in different areas of a building.
The mattress is normally the main breeding ground of bugs. If a bed has holes and tears it is likely that these contain bed bug eggs inside or out. Pest control companies normally advise their clients to get rid of the mattresses that are heavily infested or in poor shape.
Bed bugs are not picky about what type of bed they will settle in, as they put more importance on the warm blooded person occupying it for an extended period of time. Bed bugs can even settle in sleeping bags, egg foam, or even stacks cardboard on the floor.
Any place where people sleep is always the ideal area for bed bugs to roam. Water beds are not excluded, as these have nooks and crannies and are often warm, which is the preferred temperature of these insects.
Despite various methods to control bed bugs, it is safe to say they are here to stay. Possibly, the best way not to become a bed bug victim is by putting a premium on good hygiene and cleanliness, it wont stop them but it will give them less places to hide, making them easier to get rid of.
