For many, bed bugs bring to mind the Middle Ages, when they were a problem that has since been solved by modern technology. But things are very different in real life.
These tiny bugs that feed on blood are coming back to New Hampshire, where they are causing itchy bites and sleepless nights. In fact, bed bugs are getting so bad in New Hampshire that the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension has issued a warning.
It is easy to find an exterminator in Manchester, NH, who can help you get rid of bed bugs. But are bed bugs really a modern plague, or is the situation not as bad as it seems?
Bed bugs are masters of survival
Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are flat, reddish-brown bugs. They eat at night and are drawn to the warmth and carbon dioxide we give off when we sleep. They can fit into small spaces because their bodies are flat, which makes them great hitchhikers.
A female can lay up to a thousand eggs in her lifetime. The eggs hatch in about a week. These tough creatures can go months without eating, which makes them hard to get rid of.
Understanding bed bug bites and the misconceptions about them
Bed bugs do not spread disease, but their bites are itchy and come in clusters. Some people might not respond at all, while others might get very itchy and anxious. A common misunderstanding is that bed bugs only live in places that are dirty.
In fact, you can find them anywhere with people, from high-end hotels to low-income apartments. People who travel can pick them up in their bags or on their clothes and bring them home, where they can start an infestation.
How to detect and eradicate this problem
To stop an infection from growing, it is important to find it early. Find little dark spots or skins that have been shed near beds, box springs, and furniture. These are signs of bed bugs. You can also look at gaps, cracks, and openings with a flashlight.
If you think you might have bed bugs, do not try to get rid of them yourself. It is important to get professional bug control. They use a variety of ways, such as heat treatments, pesticides, and coverings for box springs and beds.
Practical tips to prevent a bed bug infestation
You can make it less likely that you will bring bed bugs home by doing certain things. After a trip, check your bags and clothes carefully. Dry clothes on high heat after washing them in hot water.
When you stay in a hotel, check the mattress and the area around the mattress for bed bugs. You might want to use suitcase covers and keep your bags off the ground.
When you clean your rugs and furniture at home, be sure to pay extra attention to the edges and seams. Fill in holes and cracks in walls and furniture to make it harder for them to hide.
The psychological toll of a bed bug infestation
In addition to being physically uncomfortable, bed bugs can have a big effect on your mental health. It can be hard to sleep, worry about getting bitten, and feel embarrassed to have them in your home.
All of these things can cause anxiety, stress, and even depression. Because of this, relationships, work output, and general health may all suffer.
How community plays a role in prevention?
Getting rid of bed bugs often takes work from the whole community. Property owners and landlords should be careful to check on homes and take the right steps.
To stop the spread of bed bugs, hotels and other places where people stay must follow strict rules. Public awareness efforts can also help teach people about the dangers of bed bugs and how to avoid getting them.
Bed bugs can be controlled with the right information, proactive steps, and professional help, which will lessen their effects and help you get a good night’s sleep.
