Among all of the insect pests that you might encounter in your home, bedbugs are one of the most unwelcome. These parasites feed on human blood, and usually conceal themselves in furniture, carpets, and beds. There are many types of bedbug; however the one that is responsible for most infestations is Cimex lectularius, aptly named ‘the common bedbug’.
These unwelcome guests will bite up to 4 times each while feeding, often forming a straight line called a ‘breakfast, lunch, and dinner’ mark. They feed for 10 minutes at a time, growing several times their original size as they become swollen with blood. Afterwards, they can lay dormant for up to a year without food, but will bite you again in a few days given the opportunity. Like mosquitoes, these insects are attracted to the carbon dioxide we give off, as well as our body heat.
In the mid 20th century, bedbugs were all but eliminated in many regions with the invention of the extremely effective pesticide DDT. However, DDT was widely banned due to its high environmental toxicity and low biodegradability. The hidden truth about bedbugs is that they are making a comeback, and are becoming as ubiquitous as they were in antiquity.
Bedbug bites will generally not cause you serious harm, only reddish welts that itch. On rare occasions, blistering or allergic reactions occur. As with any itchy bite, secondary infection is possible if you scratch the location. Probably the most serious symptom you would experience from bedbugs is insomnia, especially once you are aware of their presence!
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.
Pest control agencies will often use a trained dog to confirm the presence of bedbugs. Bedbugs and related species emit a weak but specific odor that these dogs are able to detect. Once the problem area is identified, the agency must proceed with a visual inspection.
When it’s clear that there is an infestation, you’ll be presented with a number of ways to deal with this problem. The best approach is called Integrated Pest Management, which uses a combination of methods with the goal of reducing the amount of pesticide used in your home. This is an attractive option, as many effective pesticides are too toxic to spray on an area that you sleep. Pest control agencies may suggest encasing your mattress in a special cover, using a high intensity vacuum cleaner, or even heating the entire room to 57°C (135 °F) for an extended period.
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.
These unwelcome guests will bite up to 4 times each while feeding, often forming a straight line called a ‘breakfast, lunch, and dinner’ mark. They feed for 10 minutes at a time, growing several times their original size as they become swollen with blood. Afterwards, they can lay dormant for up to a year without food, but will bite you again in a few days given the opportunity. Like mosquitoes, these insects are attracted to the carbon dioxide we give off, as well as our body heat.
In the mid 20th century, bedbugs were all but eliminated in many regions with the invention of the extremely effective pesticide DDT. However, DDT was widely banned due to its high environmental toxicity and low biodegradability. The hidden truth about bedbugs is that they are making a comeback, and are becoming as ubiquitous as they were in antiquity.
Bedbug bites will generally not cause you serious harm, only reddish welts that itch. On rare occasions, blistering or allergic reactions occur. As with any itchy bite, secondary infection is possible if you scratch the location. Probably the most serious symptom you would experience from bedbugs is insomnia, especially once you are aware of their presence!
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.
Pest control agencies will often use a trained dog to confirm the presence of bedbugs. Bedbugs and related species emit a weak but specific odor that these dogs are able to detect. Once the problem area is identified, the agency must proceed with a visual inspection.
When it’s clear that there is an infestation, you’ll be presented with a number of ways to deal with this problem. The best approach is called Integrated Pest Management, which uses a combination of methods with the goal of reducing the amount of pesticide used in your home. This is an attractive option, as many effective pesticides are too toxic to spray on an area that you sleep. Pest control agencies may suggest encasing your mattress in a special cover, using a high intensity vacuum cleaner, or even heating the entire room to 57°C (135 °F) for an extended period.
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:
Croydon pest control can help with any question about pests in your home.Visit our website to find out more and simply give Envirosafe a call to discuss your problems.
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