How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs, those little blood sucking insects that come out at night, were almost eradicated in the United States before the end of the new millemium. But they're making a comeback and they're more resistant to insecticides. This hub answers the question “How do you get bed bugs?” and gives you information about what you can do to deal with bed bugs.

Bed Bugs Love Free Rides

Bed bugs don't have wings but they are very good hitchers. Luggage, clothing and shoes are just some places ideal for bed bugs to get a free ride. With the recent increase in world travel, bed bugs are having a wild time travelling around the world and spreading to places where they were once thought to be eradicated.

Humans are not the only mammals that can carry bed bugs. Any warm blooded animal will attract bed bugs. Dogs, cows, bats and birds can all be carriers of bed bugs.

Furnitures like beds and sofas are also great places for bed bugs to hide. Buying a used bed or sofa specially from a hotel may not be a good idea.

If one room in a building gets infested, the entire building could easily be infested unless something is done. Extermination will require cleaning the entire building and not just one room.

Weaker Insecticides Make It Easier For Bed Bugs To Thrive

About sixty years ago, DDT was one of the most commonly used insecticides. DDT kills most insects including bed bugs. However, DDT is harmful to humans and its use now being phased out.

Current pest control practices are more specific to the insect. That means a pesticide that kills cockroaches may be harmless to bed bugs.

Meet Vampy, The Bed Bug

There are many bed bug species but the common bed bug, a.k.a Cimex lectularius, is the most notorious pest for humans. This particular bed bug species feed on human blood and are well-adapted to human environments.

They are very small but visible to the naked eyes. An adult would measure about 2 grains of salt.

Although the knowledge that a little vampire could be sucking your blood is a little creepy, it is highly unlikely that bed bugs will transmit disease.

Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs is very difficult as these insects are very small, they rarely go out during the day and they can hide in a lot of places. It's a good idea to let the professionals take care of bed bugs. Your full cooperation with a pest control professional will be required if you want a thorough treatment of a building.

Vigilance Is Required

Prevention is always easier than the cure. When you travel, make sure that you check the bed and furnitures that you'll be using. Vacuuming your luggage and washing your clothes immediately after arriving home can help prevent spreading bed bugs in you home if ever if you become a carrier.