Bed Bug Control – How To Destroy Them Before They Destroy You

Bed bugs infestation has been a critical issue right from the days of Aristotle. Bed bugs are intelligent creatures that attack their victims when they're in deep sleep. They attack in such a way the target is almost insensitive to the bite. Everyone will have their own experiences regarding bed bugs.

Scientifically, bed bugs are called "Cimex lectularius", they’re very flat, wingless creatures. Studies reveal that creatures hail from Asia but are now found all over the globe. Bed bugs exist in warm and dry climatic conditions but they've managed to spread to the northern regions of the world of the heating of buildings.

Fully mature bed bugs are 1/4 to 3/8 in length when they remain without food but their size expands considerably after heavy feasting. A starving bed bug appears way different from healthy bed bug. Young bed bugs look a lot like the mature ones, but have a yellowish tinge after molting. A young bed bug matures into an adult in just around a month depending on the amount it eats.

When are they a nuisance?

Bed bugs become a hindrance when they're thirsty for blood. They usually stay in their holes and come out only when they're hungry. A warm body attracts them, but, they’re incapable of sensing food source which is more that 5 - 10 cm away.

They have well developed mouthparts to help them suck blood from a victim. Engorgement ranges from 1 min - 7 min. An adult bed bug sucks blood 7 times its own body wt. As soon as it finishes sucking, it retreats to its hideout starts laying eggs

A person discovers a bed bug bite only after the appearance of large wheals in the affected area. These wheals become a tiny red marks that last for 2 - 3 days.

Bed bug bites have an orderly pattern, unlike mosquito bites which have an arbitrary pattern. The affected are shouldn't be scratched and should be washed immediately with water and soap.

Bed bugs get attracted to parts of the body having a good blood flow, including the reproductive organs.

Solving 'em bugs

Apart from attending to bed bug bites, on should also get rid of these undesirable visitors. Those who often travel to tropical areas climate are prone to bed bug infestation, as their luggage can also infested with bed bugs. It's very difficult to spot these insects crawling into suitcases, boxes and other belongings as there tiny, cryptic and swift. Houses that are not infested with bed bugs could inherit this problem by using second hand furniture.

It's a tough challenge for those who wish to get exterminate bed bugs from their beds. Materials with holes are perfect places for the bed bugs to breed. During the 1940s and 1950s, there was a widespread use of DDT, as it could control bed bug infestation but was ultimately banned due to public and environment concerns.

Pest control companies have a variety of products ranging from aerosols to pesticides and other chemicals, to curb bed bug infestation. Heavily infested beds should be discarded at once. Whether the bed is discarded or not, covering the mattress is very effective particularly if the bugs still exist there

Vacuuming also helps in extermination. Pest control experts sometimes even employ portable steam machines. Irrespective of the degree of infestation, bed bugs are definitely a hindrance for those who want to sleep well. The best way to prevent bed bugs infestation is to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.