Daily Archives: December 6, 2013

Brief History of Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs became virtually extinct thanks to the use of strong pesticides like DDT. In 1973, the EPA banned this particular pesticide because of the harmful effects it could have on humans and the environment.

The ban of DDT coupled with the use of less toxic (and as a result, less effective) chemicals have led to a rise in bed bugs in the last decade. Since 1995 bed bugs have been making a comeback steadily increasing as the years go by. In fact, a 2010 survey showed that 90 percent of U.S. pest control professionals claimed to have encountered bed bugs in 2010.

Perhaps many of these companies where based in New York. In 2010 New York City experienced a severe infestation of bed bugs in hotels, movie theaters, and homes. This infestation baffled New York residents and put bed bugs back in the lime light after year decades of being ignored.

What Are Bed Bugs?

According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Cimex lectularius Linneas, more commonly known as the bed bug, is parasite that feeds on the blood of humans, chickens, bats, and on occasion domesticated animals.

There are several different kinds of bed bugs, however the two that are most important to humans are the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) and the tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus).

Within the home bed bugs can be found in mattress creases, drawers, and holes and crevices in the wall. Bed bugs are generally more common in hotels due to the constant passing through of travelers. In fact, since New York is such a hub for international travelers, it can be assumed that many of the bed bugs were a result of travelers unknowingly transporting bed bugs in their suit cases.

Read more:
New York Bed Bugs | A Complete Guide to Bed Bugs in New York