Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug, has been creeping people out for millennia. These pests had vanished from our lives for a long time, but they have returned with a vengeance. Repeatedly waking up in your bed with itchy bites is not only annoying; it can be physically and psychologically draining. Managing these pests can be the difference between a happy home and nights of misery. At T And T Pest Solutions, we can help you fight off these bloodsuckers and give you back your home.
A Brief History Of The Bed Bug
The original bed bug, Cimicidae, popped onto the scene over 100 million years ago. As the species evolved, they moved into caves to satisfy their thirst for blood – particularly bats. Some of the earliest humans sought shelter in these same subterranean shelters. Ready to find an easy meal, found that sucking the blood of lounging humans was more accessible than chasing hyperactive bats around. Ever since those days, they have been uninvited guests of humans, pestering ancient civilizations and modern people.
As pesticide potency increased, they nearly vanished in the mid-20th century. There was a problem, though. These pesticides, notably DDT, were just as dangerous for human beings and were abolished. With rising numbers of people traveling, especially internationally, and these insects forming a resistance to certain pesticides, these tiny pests are back in full force.
About Bed Bugs
These insects possess unique qualities. They emit a musty odor originating in their glands, which they do when alarmed. Juvenile insects are almost invisible, tiny, and blend in with their surroundings. The resistance to many pesticides makes managing colonies difficult, causing them to be one of the most challenging infestations to get under control. The bugs’ saliva contains a numbing agent, an analgesic, so people do not feel the bite, leaving the itchy bumps as evidence of their feast. When you notice there is a problem, it may be too late. Especially scary is that these creatures can gulp more than seven times their body weight in their victims’ blood. They can survive and thrive in many different environments.
The truth is, there is not much to like about bed bugs. They are sneaky, nasty, persistent, and multiply quickly. The good news? There are effective ways to manage them. The keys to effective elimination are the tools and expertise to find colonies and root them out. Reducing clutter and inspecting used furniture before bringing it into your home are good ways to minimize these insects’ impact. We will come to your home or business, analyze the infestation, and develop a powerful and effective solution to your insect dilemma. There is no reason to share your home with a bug. Contact us today for an estimate, so we can tailor an approach for you to take back your residential or commercial property.
Frequently Asked Bed Bug Questions
Q1. How do bed bugs find their hosts?
A1. Bed bugs have an uncanny ability to detect the carbon dioxide emitted by their hosts as they breathe. Additionally, they are attracted to body heat and certain chemicals found in human sweat. Their keen sense of smell guides them to potential hosts, allowing them to locate their next blood meal with remarkable accuracy.
Q2. Can bed bugs travel long distances?
A3. Despite their inability to fly, bed bugs are adept travelers. They can crawl significant distances, up to 20 feet in a night, seeking out new hiding spots or hosts. Moreover, these resilient pests can hitchhike on clothing, luggage, or other belongings, facilitating their spread from one location to another, whether it be within a building or across continents via human transportation networks.
Q3. Do bed bugs have favorite hiding spots?
A3. While bed bugs are often associated with mattresses and bedding due to their nocturnal feeding habits, they are opportunistic and can harbor in a variety of locations. Apart from beds, they may infest upholstered furniture, cracks in walls, electrical outlets, picture frames, and even inside books or electronics. Interestingly, bed bugs exhibit a preference for dark, secluded areas near their hosts, where they can remain undisturbed while they digest their blood meals and reproduce.