An estimated 90% of bed bug infestations are found in homes and apartment buildings, with hotels and motels accounting for around 70%, according to a study done by The National Pest Management Association in 2018. The study tracked the most frequent places reporting the issue. A misconception is that cleanliness is related to infestations. This is, however, incorrect. bed bugs are found in schools, hospitals, office buildings, public transportation, or anywhere humans live, sleep, or assemble. They reproduce quickly and are transported by humans to different locations by hitchhiking on skin, hair, clothing, and luggage.
Infestation Signs
They are small and flat wingless parasitic insects, red-brownish in color, 1-7 millimeters in length, and feed only on blood through biting their host. The bites of bed bugs are small red dots on exposed areas of skin occurring during sleep that causes itching and irritation, cold-like symptoms, and small spots of blood on sheets.
Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Center For Disease Control have called bed bugs a rising public health issue. Their bites can cause infections and blistering, difficulty breathing, possible allergic reactions, and mental health problems like insomnia and anxiety, which is related to higher than normal histamine levels in homes caused by their fecal matter. According to a study done by Penn Medicine, they are also capable of carrying the parasite that causes Chagas Disease.
Nature And Environment
They can survive for over a year, depending on temperature and food, and even go two to three months without eating. It takes seven weeks for one to grow from egg to adult, so it could take two months to recognize if there is an infestation. They hide in tiny cracks and crevices in the day, acting nocturnally to feed only on human and animal blood during the night. When they bite their host, they inject a natural anesthetic so that the feeling is painless. The most common season they're found is summer, and infestations are rising in the United States. This is due to an increase in international travel and the stoppage of the use of the pesticide DDT.
Getting Rid Of The Scourge
Bed bugs are becoming resistant to commonly used insecticides and procedures used to eliminate them. Now, a more comprehensive strategy is being undertaken to combat the growing problem. Professional help can use more effective methods like "Whole Room Heat Treatment," which can raise temperatures as high as 145 degrees. More specific insecticides can be applied depending on the nature of the problem.
Properly exterminating bed bugs with the correct techniques and tools is a responsible, fast, and easy option. The pros at At Ease Pest Solutions are experts in eradicating your pest issues. At the first sign or symptom of an infestation, contact At Ease Pest Solutions immediately. Our top-rated service will give you peace of mind and an easy night's sleep. We are the leading Bed Bug experts in the area, so contact us today for a free estimate.
Troutman Branch
694 South Main Street
Troutman, NC 28166
704.761.9697