Bed bugs are real headache and getting rid of them is anything but difficult. It has been a documented problem even before medieval times in Europe. These pests seem to love attacking people in slumber, they are wise preys who choose to feast when their hosts least know it. At least at one point you too have had a bad experience with bed bugs.
These tiny creatures are known as Cimex lectularius in the world of entomology. Bed bugs are characteristically described as wingless insects with rounded thin brownish bodies.
Tracing back through their lineage would lead us to ancient Asia where they have originated. Although bed bugs prefer a warm and dry environment, they have been able to infest cooler regions in the North through the heated buildings around. Today, bed bugs are everywhere across the world.
Usually, an adult bed bug can reach a length of up to ¼ inch and expands considerably after feasting on their targets. A well fed bug can be easily distinguished from a starving bed bug because of its rounded look. Bed bugs go into a cycle and at every stage they have distinct characteristics. Nymphs or young bed bugs look a lot like the adults except for their yellowish color after shedding. A young bed bug eventually moves into the cycle and just after one month of feeding becomes an adult.
Bed bug chooses its target
The problem with these pests is that they feed on blood and when they become hungry they prove to be annoying. Most of the time bed bugs stay in their nooks but when they are starving they are forced to go out.
The warm temperature of the body attracts them however they cannot detect a probable victim unless they’re close enough.
Bed bugs have highly specialized oral structures which allows them to suck and bite from their hosts skin. They can feast on skin quickly, normally around five minutes.
Within the short period of engorgement, the bed bug can take in blood over seven times its own body weight. Once full the bed bug instantly goes back to its shelter where it reproduces again.
The bed bug’s saliva contains some anesthetic compounds which allow them to bite unnoticed. Often, the person bitten by a bed bug will realize that he has been bitten because of the swelling that develops. The affected area will eventually develop into a tiny reddened mark that stays for almost a week.
Also apparent is the pattern of wheals caused by bed bugs, unlike other insect bites that contain no pattern. It is recommended that the affected area be washed immediately with soap and water and avoid scratching over the skin. Antiseptic agents can also be used to prevent infection.
Bed bugs can bite any part of the body as long as there is a good blood flow. They can even choose private areas as their target.
Hygiene solves it all
The best way to prevent bed bug bites from ever occurring is obviously getting rid of these pests. It has been observed that travelers especially those from the tropical regions are more susceptible to bed bug infestations. This is due to the fact that bed bugs use the travelers’ luggage as their carrier to their new home.
Because of their size, they can easily squeeze in through the boxes, luggage and suitcases unseen. Secondhand furniture pieces are also great modes of transport for these pests. Even one bed bug is enough to infest the whole house.
If the bed bugs have successfully infested a house, the best way of getting rid of them are the services offered by pest control groups. However, this task is truly difficult. They are scattered all throughout the house. Their breeding grounds can be easily located by expert pest control personnel.
Usually bed bugs lay their eggs on fabrics and nooks. There have been pesticides used before to help minimize their population such as DDT, however this product has been prohibited because of its negative effect to human health.
Pest control agencies use a wide range of instruments to effectively control bed bugs. They have aerosols, pesticides and chemical agents which are applied on specific areas of the house. Most often they will recommend that heavily infested bed be thrown away or changed.
They can also use portable steaming machines and vacuums to get rid of bed bugs.
No matter how heavy the infestation is, bed bugs still remain pests especially for those who want to get some rest. All said there’s only one effective way of solving bed bug problems – proper hygiene and cleanliness.
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