Bed Bugs have been around for thousands of years and have evolved to be able to survive in today’s world.
These insects have been around for thousands of years, even dating back to ancient Egypt where experts have found them in tombs. Did you know that there are two types of species of bed bugs that feed on human blood? They are known scientifically as Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus. Over thousands of years, bedbugs have evolved as nest parasites, inhabiting the nests of birds and the roosts of bats. Some of them have learned to adapt to the human environment. Unfortunately, bedbugs have evolved over the thousands of years they have been around which means getting rid of them can be a big hassle.
The Basics of Bedbugs
Bed Bugs get their name from the spaces they like to inhabit, like beds, sofas, or any other soft furniture where humans live. They can live in clothing which makes it easier to spread bed bugs from home to home. The insects are small red-brown and wingless. They are hematophagous ectoparasites that prefer to feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Humans are the preferred hosts for the two main species.
Believe it or not, you can see bedbugs with the human eye, even when they’re just hatched from their eggs. A bedbug’s egg looks similar to a poppy seed, while a full-grown adult bed bug is the size of an apple seed. Although these insects prefer to come out during the darkness of night, you’ll still be able to find them during the day if you search for them in the crevices of mattresses, bed frames, and furniture.
Bedbugs can live for two months without feeding in your home. In fact, most people don’t know they have bedbugs until they wake up the next day and find bite marks that turn into itchy red bumps all over their skin. When a bedbug goes to bite its victim, it will inject its saliva into the skin which has a sort of anesthetic in it. Therefore, most people can’t feel them on their skin at night.
There are no studies or research that indicate bedbugs are a serious threat to humans, other than just being a big nuisance. They carry no diseases, however, carry bacteria which can be a problem if the human is continually scratching and spreading those bacteria to other areas of their body.
Treatment, Prevention, and Extermination
Fortunately, bedbug bites can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications. Try any antihistamines and anti-itch cream to soothe the pain and annoyance of itching where the bite is. Contact a company to see if they do any preventative maintenance for bedbugs as well.
Getting rid of bedbugs is quite hard to do, especially in a house that has a family living in it. You can try eliminating bedbugs yourself but missing just one can restart the cycle. Pest control companies have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to completely eliminate bedbugs from your home.
Prevention is probably the best and safest thing you can do. Keeping a clean and tidy home can be the first step to preventing these insects. If you have any second-hand furniture, make sure to double-check for bugs and get it professionally cleaned for safe measures. Talk with your local pest control company if you see any bedbugs before they get worse.