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Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have tormented people throughout human history. Writings from the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans thousands of years ago indicate they suffered with Bed bugs. From the early 1950’s to the mid 1990’’s Bed bugs became a rarity in the developed world. Most experts credit the advent of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons with their virtual eradication. In the mid 1990’s, however, Bed bugs made a resurgence. It is believed that the ease of world travel and the elimination of chlorinated hydrocarbons led to their reappearance in the developed world.

Bed bugs are particularly repulsive because they suck our blood while we lie cocooned in bed, our most personal space, which we assume is safe and secure. Infestations often go undetected until they have become widespread. Bed bug infestations occur across all social and economic classes. They have been found in cheap motels, taxis, trains, planes, exclusive hotels, college dorm rooms, and just about every other place you can think of.

Adult Bed bugs are approximately ¼ inch long, less than 1/8th inch wide. Their bodies are somewhat flattened with no wings. Bed bugs have five nymphal stages. Each of these stages is a smaller version of the adult. Bed bugs feed on blood. They are “temporary ectoparasites”, meaning they feed on the host and then return to the safety of their hiding place.

Bed bug feeding and living habits greatly contribute to the difficulty in controlling them. Adults only come out of hiding to feed approximately once per week. It has been shown that adult Bed bugs can survive over one year without a blood meal. Simply removing the host food source will not eliminate the problem. Since they do not live on their host like fleas, control is meticulous, time consuming and requires a great deal of cooperation from the occupant. Obviously Bed bugs will live on a mattress; however, they will also live in the night stand, the bed frame, dressers, stored items under beds and in closets, and small cracks in baseboards and trim. They are not restricted to the bedroom.

Most Bed bug infestations start by people unknowingly bringing them home. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. If you spend the night in a hotel they can climb in your suitcase to hide. Take a ride in a car, train, plane or other form of transportation and they can climb in your pant cuff or bag. Bring home a used couch, chair or mattress and it could be infested with Bed bugs. Bed bugs are one of the most serious and difficult pests encountered today. They invade the privacy of your bed. They suck your blood. They are extremely difficult to control and if you try to move chances are they are going with you. Do not try and control them yourself. Hire an experienced pest control professional, cooperate completely with preparation and follow up instructions and they can be eliminated.