Bed bugs hide in the crevices of mattresses and furniture.
Several species of bed bugs exist, all of which feed on bird or mammal blood. When people talk about a resurgence of bed bug infestations in the United States, however, they refer to the common bed bug, or Cimex lectularius. After a period of about 30 years of virtual extermination in North America, this blood sucker has reappeared and is rapidly becoming a scourge of homeowners, hotels, hospitals and other institutions.
Characteristics
Similar in appearance to wood ticks, adult bed bugs are wingless, flat, brown insects that grow to about 1/4 inch long. After feeding on blood, their bodies elongate and change in color to a purplish red. Active mainly at night, bed bugs spend the daylight hours wedged in tiny crevices, especially in mattresses, headboards and bed frames.
Resurgance
Bed bugs have been living with humans for centuries and were mentioned in classical writing dating back to Aristotle. Advances in hygiene and the introduction of pesticides such as DDT virtually eliminated bed bug populations in the United States after World War II. Several factors, such as an increase in international travel and changes in modern pest control practices, have combined to result in the insect's reappearance.
Identification and Treatment
Only some people develop physical marks from bed bug bites, so it is often necessary to look for other signs of an infestation, mainly blood spots or darker smears from bed bugs' excrement. Severely infested areas will exude an identifiable musky odor. Bed bugs are so resilient it is difficult to control an infestation without calling a professional. Pest control professionals will ask residents to clear away clutter where the bugs can easily hide.
Tags: United States