Once thought to be extinct, the bed bug population has skyrocketed in the past decade. These insects have become a growing nuisance as reports of infestations have risen sharply. Dr. Michael Potter, a renowned etymologist at the University of Kentucky, recently said, “Bedbugs are running amok everywhere. It’s really going to rock this country.”
These pests can thrive in a variety of places, including homes, hospitals, delivery trucks, and bedrooms. Human blood is the food of choice for these parasites, as an infestation can flourish for months without the host’s knowledge. Although they cannot transmit pathogens to humans, bed bugs can cause skin irritation and pain, as well as obvious mental and emotional stress. The best defense against this cunning pest is identification and detection.
What is a bed bug?
Bed bugs are nocturnal parasites that typically prey on human hosts while they are sleeping. An anesthetic and anticoagulant agent found in bed bug saliva allows the human host to remain calm while the parasite feeds. Adults are usually ΒΌ inch long and are wingless, have a flat head, and are brown in color. During the day, these parasites lie dormant in small cracks and crevices in a home or property. It is only at night that they rise to feed on the blood of unsuspecting humans.
Females can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime and can store male sperm for up to six weeks. Pregnant females are commonly transported to new sites by unknown human hosts. This practice has earned these parasites the title of “the ultimate hitchhiker.” Once established, adult bed bugs can live for six to seven months without a blood meal and can survive without humans by attacking rodents and birds.
Detection
Because bed bugs can easily find shelter in the smallest corner of a home, detection is often very difficult. To complicate matters, many owners may not realize they have an infestation for months, as these parasites only feed while their host is sleeping. Early infestations are often ignored and only when the infestation is overwhelming is a professional finally sought out.
Early detection is always the cheapest and most successful solution. Specialized bed bug detection canines are used for early detection of infestations. These bloodhounds can detect an infestation as small as a single insect. Sticky traps and other monitoring devices present cheaper but less effective alternatives.
control
Although the most efficient method of eradication is with a pest control professional, there are basic steps homeowners can take to optimize their chances of complete eradication. When these parasites are found, the first reaction of many homeowners is to immediately purchase an insecticide. Unlike cockroaches and other pests, however, insecticides do not easily stick to bed bugs. Rather, the first step should be the physical removal of as many bed bugs as possible. This means vacuuming all the carpets and furniture in the affected area. When you’re done, take the vacuum bag and seal it in a plastic container, then freeze it for at least a week before discarding. Next, wash all clothing and sheets with a borax additive and dry on high heat. Be sure to inspect all places where laundry is stored (dresser, laundry basket, etc.) for pests.
With such a cryptic creature on the rise, it’s important to stay protected. Regularly washing bedding and being careful of any temporary skin irritation or rash are basic guidelines in the battle against these parasites. However, without the help of an expert, it is practically impossible to be sure that the home is free of this pest.
