Have you wondered about bed bugs? Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions.
Bed bugs used to be as common and realistic as the boogie monster. No one used to have this problem. Unfortunately,
in our modern world, bed bugs have returned to the forefront of pest control problems. These pests have shown up in homes, hotels, motels, libraries, dental offices and government suites. Once they show their pesky selves, it’s darn hard to get rid of them. A professional bed bugs control exterminator must be called to the scene in order to eradicate the problem.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about these creepy crawly critters:
-What do they look like? They look similar to watermelon seeds or flecks of pepper. These tiny black dots are actually trails of the insects’ excrement.
- What kind of bug is this? Bed bugs’ scientific name is cimex lectularius. They used to be quite common in the olden days. That’s where that old saying “Sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite!” came from. They used to be so common that people would look at their bedding before snuggling in for the night. Today, individuals are scanning their sheets and blankets once again.
- Why the re-emergence? Global travel is one reason for the epidemic. Cimex lectularius were still relatively common in less developed parts of the world. Travelers have brought them back via airplanes, suitcases and clothing. Modern day pesticides aren’t as strong as they were in the old days when they killed not only insects but people. We’re happy that pesticides are safer for humans but not so thrilled that we now have bugs in our beds.
- Where have they been spotted? Not only in sheets and blankets – these critters can show up in fabrics, upholstery, curtains, wall-to-wall carpeting, area rugs and even on bookshelves at the library. They like to hang out on wood, too, so not much is off limits for these vermin.
- How are they moving from place to place? They are creative and not too picky about their modes of transportation. They hide out in pockets, shoes, socks, hats, clothes, suitcases, duffle bags, fanny packs, front packs and backpacks. They are worse than head lice!
- Are they more prevalent in dirty places? No; they like dirty and clean, messy and tidy locations. A person can be rich or poor, hold a doctorate degree or an 8th grade education. He or she can find black flecks in the silk sheets at home, in one’s designer suitcase or in a tattered backpack.
- What should a person do if they see these telltale signs of an infestation? First off, not panic. Putting in a call to an exterminator who specializes in eradicating these creepy crawlies should be step one. There are arrays of bed bugs control techniques available to rid a home or commercial establishment of the pests. Heat, cold or chemicals are just a few of the methods that the pros have in their arsenal against an outbreak.
When a person finds those black spots in their bedding, clothes or other areas around their home or office, it’s high time to put in an emergency call to an bed bugs control exterminator. The pros will help a person say good bye to those bed bugs.
