Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on blood only, both human and animal. They belong to the cimicid family. Their name may also be spelt as bed-bug or bedbug. There are several species in existence with most preferring to feed on animal blood except Cimex species which specifically feeds on human blood. Most homes are frequented by this species. The name bed bug came about because they are mostly found in or near sleeping areas. To Understand About bed bugs Atlanta is a good place to visit.
The sources of infestations in homes are very many. First, eggs or mature bugs may crawl into the home from visitors or their luggage and other personal stuff. They may also come in through various ducts and false ceilings from neighboring apartments. Wild animals and birds are also major sources. Perfect examples of bird carriers are bats which carry the bat bug. Homeowners may also bring them in from infested areas such as lodgings, entertainment venues, dwellings, or transport means.
Once they get into the house, there are very many places where they can hide without being detected. Some of the favorite hiding places include floors, furniture, wall crevices, bed frames, mattress seams, headboards, ceilings, and clothing. Their small size and brownish color act as a camouflage against most backgrounds. They are nocturnal insects hence only come out at night. They do not fly like most insects because they lack wings, but they can crawl really fast.
Even though bugs are nocturnal parasites, some traces are left behind from their activities that reveal their presence. Presence of stains of blood on bedding and linen is among the signs one can use. During their developmental life, these parasites shed off the exoskeleton a couple number of times. Hence existence of mounted exoskeletons on various surfaces indicates a possible infestation. Droppings or the insects themselves may also be seen crawling around in dark closets or wardrobes.
Managing an infestation can be a difficult task especially if the insects have been around long enough and have multiplied. It takes a combination of non-pesticide methods and occasional application of pesticides to eliminate the infestation. Some of the methods that have proved to be effective include vacuuming, heat treatment, and wrapping up mattresses and other forms of bedding. Heat treatment involves setting the home at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius and leaving it for one hour. This kills a high percentage of the bugs.
Pesticides have been concluded as ineffective in management processes. According to 2012 research reports, no pesticide was suitable for efficiently eliminating an invasion. However, historically, some products that are believed to be efficient include malathion, pyrethroids, and dichlorvos. Bugs continue gaining resistance against most pesticide products over time. Chemicals contained in the commodities are of much concern to human health too.
The bed bug dog species has a high accuracy rate in locating hiding places of bugs. The canines are small-bodied and suited for modern residences. Once they are in a house, they search it every day for already existing bedbugs and new invasions.
Bedbug management does not involve starvation. This is because hunger cannot easily kill bedbugs. With suitable temperatures, they can go for about a year without food.
The sources of infestations in homes are very many. First, eggs or mature bugs may crawl into the home from visitors or their luggage and other personal stuff. They may also come in through various ducts and false ceilings from neighboring apartments. Wild animals and birds are also major sources. Perfect examples of bird carriers are bats which carry the bat bug. Homeowners may also bring them in from infested areas such as lodgings, entertainment venues, dwellings, or transport means.
Once they get into the house, there are very many places where they can hide without being detected. Some of the favorite hiding places include floors, furniture, wall crevices, bed frames, mattress seams, headboards, ceilings, and clothing. Their small size and brownish color act as a camouflage against most backgrounds. They are nocturnal insects hence only come out at night. They do not fly like most insects because they lack wings, but they can crawl really fast.
Even though bugs are nocturnal parasites, some traces are left behind from their activities that reveal their presence. Presence of stains of blood on bedding and linen is among the signs one can use. During their developmental life, these parasites shed off the exoskeleton a couple number of times. Hence existence of mounted exoskeletons on various surfaces indicates a possible infestation. Droppings or the insects themselves may also be seen crawling around in dark closets or wardrobes.
Managing an infestation can be a difficult task especially if the insects have been around long enough and have multiplied. It takes a combination of non-pesticide methods and occasional application of pesticides to eliminate the infestation. Some of the methods that have proved to be effective include vacuuming, heat treatment, and wrapping up mattresses and other forms of bedding. Heat treatment involves setting the home at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius and leaving it for one hour. This kills a high percentage of the bugs.
Pesticides have been concluded as ineffective in management processes. According to 2012 research reports, no pesticide was suitable for efficiently eliminating an invasion. However, historically, some products that are believed to be efficient include malathion, pyrethroids, and dichlorvos. Bugs continue gaining resistance against most pesticide products over time. Chemicals contained in the commodities are of much concern to human health too.
The bed bug dog species has a high accuracy rate in locating hiding places of bugs. The canines are small-bodied and suited for modern residences. Once they are in a house, they search it every day for already existing bedbugs and new invasions.
Bedbug management does not involve starvation. This is because hunger cannot easily kill bedbugs. With suitable temperatures, they can go for about a year without food.
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