Bed Bug Hiding Places
Bed Bug Hiding Places
Bed bugs exist in every country and on every continent. Even though there was a
noteworthy decrease in the amount of bed bug infestations in advanced countries
like the United States following World War II, due to the excessive use of DDT.
In recent years the bed bug movement has turned around and they are reclaiming
old territories.
Bed bug infestations can begin from different places. Areas like hotels,
motels, trains, cruise ships, and college dormitories are popular bed bug
territories because of the constant goings and comings of different people from
all over the world. With international travel being made more attainable to all
populations, bed bug infestations are growing. What does travel have to do with
bed bugs? Bed bugs tag along on the suitcases and clothing of tourists.
Though, it is uncommon to discover bed bugs on shirts or pants of someone who is
literally dressed in them. Bed bugs will be found on clothing packed away in
duffel bags and suitcases. Bed bugs can be on clothing found in thrift stores
and on second hand furniture.
As soon as bed bugs gain entry into a place of residence, they can easily infest
the whole structure if left untreated. Apartment complexes, hotels are other
structures that have rooms and housing areas next to each other are at risk of
becoming entirely invaded by bed bugs if even one room or apartment becomes
infested. They can travel from one room or apartment to another by way of
electrical wiring or cracks in the walls. Building structures that use concrete
to divide them will prevent the spread of bed bugs better than if the building
dividers where made of other construction materials.
What do bed bugs feed off of? Answer: our blood and the blood of other warm
blooded animals like our unsuspecting dogs and cats. How clean your home is and
the amount of clutter in it has nothing to do with how and why bed bugs gained
access into your home or place of residence. Clutter lying around your home
provides more hiding areas and they are able to remain unnoticed for longer
periods of time. Infestations that could have been contained to one room are
now in multiple rooms. Bed bugs are very tiny, flat and oval in shape. The
small bed bug hatchlings are approximately the size of a sesame seed, and at an
adult stage, bed bugs are about 1/4 of inch in length. This enables them to take
cover in the most inconceivable areas and allows them the creep through small
crevices and nooks in your walls.
Bed bugs can be eliminated, but getting rid of the bed bug infestation quickly
and effectively is based on early detection. Bed bugs can be gotten rid of by
using natural bed bug spray products containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Food
Grade diatomaceous earth is also an all natural powder that is safe to use in
your home. As bed bugs walk through this substance, they get all cut up. This
is because this fine powder actually slashes through their exoskeletons. The
end result is death.
By: Bradley Skierkowski