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Bedbugs are responsible for some of the worst home infestations of any pest. These small parasites travel in packs and hide deep within sheets, pillows, mattresses, and other cushy surfaces. A licensed and skilled pest control service can help to eliminate these insects, but it is important to understand where they came from and what you can do to prevent and control an infestation.

What Are Bedbugs?

pest controlAdult bedbugs are flat and reddish-brown. They are very small—about the size of an apple seed—which is one reason it’s often difficult to identify an infestation. They feed on human and animal blood, but, unlike other vectors, bedbugs can’t transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can be uncomfortable and extremely itchy—and excessive scratching can easily break the skin, making the person more susceptible to subsequent infections. Some people also have allergic reactions to bedbug bites.

Where Do Bedbugs Originate?

The first mention of bedbugs in recorded history dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. During these eras, the insects were making their way through what is modern-day Europe and Asia, causing trouble on merchant ships and in cities. The pests resurfaced in European writings in the Middle Ages and first appeared in the Americas in the 18th century, during the colonial period.

The influx of immigration and close living quarters throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries meant that most Americans had come into contact with these pests. However, improvements in plumbing, housing, and information regarding pest control and bedbug treatments meant that the mid-1950s saw fewer and fewer infestations. Unfortunately, in the 1990s, bedbugs were reintroduced into mainstream America through hotels and increased international travel.

How to Determine if You Have an Infestation

Most people realize they have an infestation only after they have been bitten. Bedbug bites tend to occur in patterns of three, and the welts typically become red or swollen. If you notice unusual insect bites, schedule an inspection with an exterminator to determine if you have a bedbug infestation or another pest on your hands; fleas are another common blood vector that create similar-looking bites.

Why You Need to Address an Infestation Immediately

Bedbugs proliferate quickly and can lay up to seven eggs every day for ten days after just one feeding session. This means a bedbug infestation can double in size every 16 days! Bedbugs can spread through a household surprisingly fast, and it’s easy to transfer the infestation to additional properties via your clothes or other belongings. Bedbugs are also surprisingly resilient, which makes them even more formidable. They can live between 12 to 18 months without a single feeding.

What to Do if There Are Bedbugs in Your Home

If you have an infestation, or suspect that there are pests in your home, contact your exterminator to schedule a bedbug inspection and fumigation. You may have to leave your home during this time, so plan for alternative sleeping arrangements. To ensure that all bugs and larvae are completely eliminated, wash clothes and bedding in hot water and purchase a plastic seal for pillows and mattresses.

 

If you need a bedbug inspection, or you would like to schedule fumigation services, contact AllPest Pest Control & Wildlife Removal. Located in Lewisburg, OH, this pest control service specializes in everything from insect infestations to bat and raccoon removal. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (937) 884-5646 to schedule a visit with an exterminator today.

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