subject: Getting Rid Of Bedbugs [print this page] Bedbugs have been known to live alongside humans for centuries and have been mentioned in different circumstances throughout history and studied.
Bedbugs have been documented throughout history and there have been beliefs that they have medicinal properties, such as being used in treatments for hysteria, snake bites and ear infections. Today, they are seen as hematophagous (bloodsucking) parasitic insects which are starting to invade human society again in the big cities.
Some warning signs that you are being eaten while you sleep are tiny red itchy bumps that rise up on your arms, upper body, and/or legs during the night. These red bumps often come in three's and are itchy. It is common for people to misinterpret these bites for mosquito bites or even flea bites.
There are several good websites offering helpful information about how to identify and get rid of bedbugs, but when it comes to dealing with the bites most of what you find online has to be gleaned from discussion threads. That's too bad because solid information can be communicated to those actually suffering from the bites, information that can clear up their confusion and ease their distress.
Bedbugs can hitchhike on luggage and clothing and travel along with you. So I washed everything in hot water and tumble dried twice in a hot dryer. I sprayed the inside of my luggage with a bedbug spray and made sure nothing was placed on the floor. Still, I wasn't sure. I frantically searched the seams and stitching of the bedding and awoke suddenly at intervals, switching on the light to try to catch the critters in the act. It was all an illusion. The bedbugs had not traveled with me but the original bites continued appearing in new and maddening ways for five more days!
The last step would be using a mattress cover for bedbugs. Sealing your mattress inside a plastic cover ensures that no bedbug goes inside and outside the mattress. Whatever bedbug is left in the mattress will die in 6 to 12 months because they won't be able to eat. Always check for the presence of bedbugs to make sure that you were able to get rid of bedbugs for good.
You can treat bedbug bites. You can take antihistamines or systemic corticosteroids. But these medications only relieve itching and the burning sensation. No effect can be seen with regards to the bite marks. Topical corticosteroids are effective in addressing the itching and burning sensation as well as the bite marks. If you start itching, try not to scratch as this will only cause scars.
Once you have established these two symptoms, find the specific site of infestation. You can call an exterminator for bedbug treatment or you can do it yourself.
BDS is the most discrete, most affordable and most adaptable bedbug detecting device. It uses a patented adhesive dot matrix technology that is coated on a coarse cardboard surface. This recreates the favored hotspots of bedbugs, thus attracting and trapping bedbugs.
Each BDS case costs about $65 and contains 72 traps. Each trap can be glued on any surface of many different areas such as hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, apartment complex and military posts.
These three are merely bedbug detective devices. They are not bedbug killers and shouldn't be considered as such. However, to successfully eradicate bedbug infestation, these tools should be used in conjunction with other bedbug products.
