Almost since the beginning of time man has lived with bed bugs. While the chances of an infestation occurring today are minimal, there are still isolated cases.
The pests were mostly wiped out in the 1940's. The substance used to kill them off, however, has since been found to be very toxic.
Until recently, though, this measure seems to have worked. Many in developed countries lived without any trouble from bed bugs for years.
Recently there has been an increase in travel to less developed countries where the pests are still a problem. The parasites have once again begun to be transferred from human to human.
New cases have been reported, demonstrating that infestation may yet again become a problem. Infestation would certainly be a cause of annoyance for many people.
These tiny creatures feed on the blood of humans. They are attracted by the warmth of the human body and by carbon dioxide.
They crawl along the body while a person is at rest, selecting an area rich in blood on which to feed. The bites left by these creatures are very similar to those of other insects.
Their bites leave small bumps that are reddish in color. These bumps will have a small dot at the center that is darker red in color.
Because the body reacts to these bites as it does with almost any other insect bite, the affected area will be itchy. That symptom will be especially annoying for many people.
The bumps may be in a line or in a group depending on the blood source the pests have chosen. Generally, the bumps will be located on the upper body.
Most bites occur on the arms or on the neck and head. If you are still unsure, a doctor may be able to help you distinguish what type of bites you have.
Those who are particularly sensitive to the bites should see their doctor right away if they begin to experience an allergic reaction. These people may break out in a severe rash.
A doctor can prescribe some antihistamine medications and topical creams that will soothe any itching. You may not experience these symptoms if your body is not sensitive to the bite of the bed bug.
If, however, you do notice some bites on your body, you should begin checking around the house to determine where the infestation is. As their name implies, these creatures like to hang out around the bedroom.
It is easiest for them to crawl onto and bite a person who is at rest. Check your bed, taking special notice of anything creeping around.
It's important that you check the entire bed. However, the bedroom is not the only place they may be lurking.
These pests will hide anywhere that is in shadow. Look under the edges of the carpet.
Also, look under any areas of paint or wallpaper that is peeling. Check the spaces between cushions in your furniture.
You may also wish to remove the coverings of your light switches and electrical sockets. It may surprise you, but these areas can also be havens for bed bugs.
Bed bugs will not stay on a human after they have gotten their fill of blood, so, if you are travelling, check your bags. They may be hiding inside, waiting to go home with you.
In order to avoid getting bitten by bed bugs, you should try to cover yourself as much as you can while you sleep. Wear pajamas that cover your arms and legs entirely.
You can also try spraying yourself and your bed with bug spray before going to sleep. As with any type of insects, bed bugs do not like the stuff.
Additionally, you may try covering you and your bed with netting when you sleep. The netting should keep the pests away from you.
Also, to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you when you travel, make sure to put any luggage or other possessions up high. These pests usually stay closer to the ground.
If you follow these precautions, you should avoid ever coming in contact with these pests. But, if you still get an infestation at some point, you should call an exterminator.
Author Resource:-
Jack Landry owns an extermination franchise that spans three states and has teamed up with a local university to complete research and publish a number of papers on "green" extermination techniques. See his recommendations for Bed Bug Detection Kansas City.
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