The Consequences Of Bed Bug Infestations
Until recently, bed bugs were widely thought to be a thing of the past, some even thought them a mere myth associated with a childhood bedtime rhyme but this very real ectoparasite has made a resurgence over the last few years. Though experts are not sure exactly what has caused the resurgence, pest control companies are receiving more complaints from businesses and homes regarding bed bugs than they have ever had. Whether it's due to a change in pesticide practices, increased international travel, or some other entomological mystery, bed bug infestations are on the rise and they can have severe consequences for both businesses and homes.
Unlike other parasites, such as mosquitoes, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases. However, just like other parasitic insects, including fleas and lice, they can cause a skin reaction known as dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin as a result of the bites and the itching. There is a always a risk of infection if the skin is scratched to the point of creating an open wound. While this is a secondary health risk associated with bed bugs and not a direct result of the bites, it is a consequence of an infestation and one that could become serious.
The other consequences associated with bed bug infestations are not health related. Businesses and homes alike can be affected by bed bug infestations in negative ways. Bed bugs are resilient and can be difficult to control. They are common in hotels, motels, resorts, apartments, college dorms and also in clothing and bedding retailers. An infestation can have a very negative impact on the image of a business, especially in the hospitality industry.
Many affected businesses have voluntarily closed up shop long enough to treat any suspected problems and any business that suspects an infestation should do the same. Trying to control the problem after it has gotten out of hand is far more difficult than preventing the problem in the first place. There is at least one case of a linen retailer being sued for transmitting bed bugs to a customer via their product, a situation that could have been avoided through proper pest control.
Businesses aren't the only ones impacted by bed bug infestations. Homes across the United States have reported problems in record numbers according to some of the major pest control companies. Aside from the nuisance of being a meal while sleeping, bed bug infestations can have a psychological impact as well. Many people who experience an infestation feel helpless and stigmatized. Battling the problem over a period of time can cause some homeowners feeling exasperated and depressed.
It is important to remember that no one is immune to bed bugs. They often are inadvertently introduced to a home, traveling on clothing worn to other places and in some cases, even new clothing or items brought home from the store may have been returned with bed bugs. While they are not associated with dirty or unsanitary conditions and should not be viewed as a source of embarrassment clutter can undermine control and treatment.
You can take simple steps to try and avoid the introduction of bed bugs to your home. Wash and especially dry on high heat for half an hour new items of clothing, bedding, or other linens as soon as you bring them home. Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures so the dryer should do the trick. Also make sure to check the headboard, night tables, under the mattresses and in bed crevices at hotels or other places of lodging when you travel. If you find bed bugs, don't stay there and be sure to wash and dry all exposed clothing as soon as possible and again when you return home.
Routinely check your own home for the signs of bed bugs. Tiny flecks of brown on sheets and mattresses are tell-tale signs. Also check underneath mattresses, the crevices of your sheets, pillows, and even head or foot boards. Bed bugs are tiny but can be seen with the naked eye. If you suspect their presence, wash all bedding thoroughly in hot water and treat the mattresses, carpet, and all crevices with an appropriate, labeled pesticide designed to kill bed bugs. You can further clean a treated area by using a vacuum cleaner.
Like all pests, bed bugs can be a significant source of stress and may require pesticide treatment. However, with proper treatment as soon as a problem is identified, you can avoid the consequences associated with a bed bug infestation - a measure that will no doubt leave you sleeping easier at night.
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