Bedbugs are parasites that feed on human blood, and one of the most unpleasant insect pests you can have in your home. Bedbugs are cryptic and nocturnal, which means they spend most of their time hiding in small spaces, and come out at night to feed. While this pest comes in several varieties, the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius, is the most common species to invade our homes.
Bedbugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide produced by respiration, and also to your body heat. They are mainly active at night; however they are still able to bite during the day if given the chance. A single bedbug can bite a few times while feeding, with around 3 or 4 bites occurring in less than 10 minutes. These bites often form a straight line, which is called the ‘breakfast, lunch, and dinner’ pattern. Bedbugs can live up to a year without feeding, but they will look for a meal once every couple of days.
For decades, bedbugs were rare in Western nations. With the introduction of the pesticide DDT in the 1940s, bedbugs had been nearly eliminated from most urban centres. DDT eventually proved to be toxic to wildlife, and widespread use was eventually banned in many nations by 1980. As a result, bedbug populations have been on a slow rise for decades. Bedbug bites are once again becoming a serious nuisance for some people.
These bites can be alarming at first, especially in the case of a severe infestation. The most common symptom is itchy, red weals. Some people develop blisters or allergic reactions, although it is the exception. Another important symptom is restless sleep, especially after the victim is aware that there are bedbugs present.
Fortunately, bedbug bites are unlikely to cause serious illness. Scientific studies have shown that they carry a variety of bacteria (including some with antibiotic resistance), but so far there has been no link to disease. Nonetheless, you’ll probably want to wipe out bedbug infestations as quickly as you can.
Since bedbugs hide in crevices, special techniques are used to detect them. Trained dogs are frequently used to help detect bedbugs, as bedbug infestations emit a very faint but unique scent. If a dog detects an infestation, the technician will inspect the area to confirm it.
Once all doubt has been removed, you will have to decide how to eradicate the infestation. There are numerous options available, but you should pay special attention to methods that reduce the use of pesticides (called integrated pest management). The use of pesticides in the home can cause adverse reactions that are best avoided. Pesticide-free methods include mattress encasement, high-intensity vacuuming, and heat treatment.
The most important tool used to keep bedbugs from spreading is awareness. Since this pest has been uncommon for a few decades, not everyone is familiar with the signs of an infestation. If you eliminate bedbug infestations quickly, they won’t be able to spread to the homes of your family and friends.
Bedbugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide produced by respiration, and also to your body heat. They are mainly active at night; however they are still able to bite during the day if given the chance. A single bedbug can bite a few times while feeding, with around 3 or 4 bites occurring in less than 10 minutes. These bites often form a straight line, which is called the ‘breakfast, lunch, and dinner’ pattern. Bedbugs can live up to a year without feeding, but they will look for a meal once every couple of days.
For decades, bedbugs were rare in Western nations. With the introduction of the pesticide DDT in the 1940s, bedbugs had been nearly eliminated from most urban centres. DDT eventually proved to be toxic to wildlife, and widespread use was eventually banned in many nations by 1980. As a result, bedbug populations have been on a slow rise for decades. Bedbug bites are once again becoming a serious nuisance for some people.
These bites can be alarming at first, especially in the case of a severe infestation. The most common symptom is itchy, red weals. Some people develop blisters or allergic reactions, although it is the exception. Another important symptom is restless sleep, especially after the victim is aware that there are bedbugs present.
Fortunately, bedbug bites are unlikely to cause serious illness. Scientific studies have shown that they carry a variety of bacteria (including some with antibiotic resistance), but so far there has been no link to disease. Nonetheless, you’ll probably want to wipe out bedbug infestations as quickly as you can.
Since bedbugs hide in crevices, special techniques are used to detect them. Trained dogs are frequently used to help detect bedbugs, as bedbug infestations emit a very faint but unique scent. If a dog detects an infestation, the technician will inspect the area to confirm it.
Once all doubt has been removed, you will have to decide how to eradicate the infestation. There are numerous options available, but you should pay special attention to methods that reduce the use of pesticides (called integrated pest management). The use of pesticides in the home can cause adverse reactions that are best avoided. Pesticide-free methods include mattress encasement, high-intensity vacuuming, and heat treatment.
The most important tool used to keep bedbugs from spreading is awareness. Since this pest has been uncommon for a few decades, not everyone is familiar with the signs of an infestation. If you eliminate bedbug infestations quickly, they won’t be able to spread to the homes of your family and friends.
About the Author:
Pest control services Croydon can help with any question about pests in your home.Visit our website to find out more and simply give www.envirosafepestcontrol.co.uk a call to discuss your problems.
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