Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs
Getting rid of bed bugs can be a pain, but if you have them, you’ll want to get rid of them pronto!
There are two main species of bed bug that prey on human beings these are the Cimex Lectularius found in temperate climates and the Cimex Hemipterius found in tropical climates. The Hemipterius Bed Bug is very common in Asia. Cimex Lectularius is the bed bug that is now creating problems in cities such as New York and London. Bed Bugs survive by sucking Human blood the bite is extremely itchy and cannot be mistaken for a Mosquito bite. Unlike Mosquitoes Bed Bugs are not known to carry any infectious diseases they just delivery very irritating bites. Bed Bugs are Small brown oval wngless bugs which shed their skin as they grow.
Bed Bugs because of the widespread use of DDT in the 1930’s to 50’s were virtually eradicated from the domestic scene. It was only after the ban on the use of DDT that they made a strong come back. Now they are prevalent in all the temperate and tropical countries of the world. Hotels are spending millions of Dollars on eradication and prevention. Bed Bugs love to hitch a ride in suitcases, backpacks and dirty laundry. This is how the infestation of Bed Bugs has spread worldwide.
Getting rid of bed bugs from your home can be difficlut because they are extremely hardy insects. They can go for long periods without eating in fact for up to one year. They are attracted to humans because of the carbon dioxide we secrete from our skin. Bed Bugs do not like the cold and exposure of the Bed Bug to temperatures of -10 degrees centigrade for over one hour usually kills both the eggs and the adult Bed Bug.
Bed Bugs live and breed in the cavities of walls, in clapperboard partitions and in bed frames and mattresses. Once infected eradication of Bed Bugs becomes extremely difficult and often an infestation lasts for up to a year before the insect are totally eradicated.
There are a number of methods for getting rid of bed bugs. The first is to spray the mattresses and bed frame with a proprietary chemical designed especially for Bed Bugs. When spraying the mattress and in particularly the bed frame care must be taken to cover all the area with the chemical. Spraying must be carried out every ten days for three months or more. This is because the eggs hatch around ten days after they are laid. The eggs of the Bed Bug are often laid inside the frame of the bed. Wooden beds are a particular favourite breeding area for Bed Bugs. But having said that they also love the interior of a metal beds frame to both breed and live. Exposing the mattress and bed to hot sunlight also helps to drive the Bed Bugs from the bed. Keeping the bed clean and checking for Bed Bugs every day is important.
As with all nasty things prevention is better than cure, when travelling always check the corners of the matters for signs of Bed Bugs. If you see blood splotches on the wall leave! Do not put clothes or suitcases on the bed use the wardrobe. Finally if you see a Bed Bug or are bitten by one complain to the management of the hotel and leave.
Having an infestation of Bed Bugs in your home is not pleasant particularly if you have small children so getting rid of bed bugs is a top priority for many who have been infested with them!