subject: Heat Treatment For Bed Bugs - Preventing Them Before They Bite [print this page] "Don't let the bed bugs bite!" It's the first thing we think of when we find the words bed and bug in the same sentence. For most people, this old saying is as far as their knowledge goes, but that changed when bed bug infestations started across America.
What are bed bugs?
Few people have seen bed bugs before, so it's obvious why most thought these were fictional creatures. In reality, bed bugs are small parasitic insects that prey on human blood. They are small, oval-shaped, and are light brown or reddish-brown in color. These are tough to detect with the naked eye just before feeding as they are tan in color. After they have fed, they are a lot easier to find.
Why are they called bed bugs? Are they seen only in beds?
The critters are called bed bugs mainly because beds and other sleeping areas are their home of choice. Exterminators in Long Island as well as other parts of America will tell you that they aren't just found on beds. The bugs can get together and reproduce in various areas of your home.
Aside from normal homes, bed bug infestations have been reported in hotels, dormitories, and various establishments. Bed bugs aren't picky. They are found in the filthiest and the cleanest places alike. Given that there's a host to feed on, the bugs will stay.
Where do they come from? What causes infestation?
During the 1930s, developed countries like the United States began an initiative to rid the world of cockroaches. That attempt, while considerably reducing the number of cockroaches, led to the elimination of bed bugs. The nation felt that it had seen the last of the pests. By 1995, reports of bed bug problems began to rise again. It is stated that the increased travel between countries might be one of the primary reasons of the resurgence.
What are the best ways to manage infestation?
A lot of people take care of the problems by spraying over-the-counter, DIY pesticides or bug sprays. Research has revealed, however, that bed bugs are more resistant to pesticides that can be purchased at a hardware store. Most exterminators in Long Island will advise you that the best way to rid a home or business of the pests is through using heat treatment for bed bugs.
This technique will involve elevating the temperature of a specific room or business to higher than the temperature where bed bugs die. This temperature is usually around 115F. Heat treatment for bed bugs can be executed in homes, hotels, theaters, and other commercial establishments.
Aside from skin rashes and allergies, bed bugs aren't known to pose fatal threats. They do not have viral diseases with them either. Even though this can be the case, it's essential that bed bugs are managed if they are present in a home. As the old saying goes, don't let the bed bugs bite!
