News & Notes from the Mud Room

Bed bugs are small, oval shaped parasites that reside in nooks and crannies near humans. Their favorite breeding places include:

1.Mattresses (corners, underside)
2.Beds (frames )
3.Bed side furniture (they especially like living in cluttered areas)
4.Luggage
5.Loose wallpaper/floor boards
6.Couches/cushions

Now, you will probably notice that there is something common with these pieces of furniture. They are all where areas where we sleep. Bed bugs or Cimicidae are nocturnal insects that feed during the night. They like warm blooded hosts like us.

Scientists found out that they are attracted to us because of our warm bodies and the carbon dioxide we emit during breathing.
Bed bugs have not been proven to transmit any disease to humans. The latter is probably the only good thing about them.

Living with them, and being their main source of nutrition can be traumatic to some and may even cause insomnia. Bed bug bites can be described as small red welts that usually appear on areas that are exposed during sleep. Common areas include:

-Face
-Neck
-Arms
-Legs

These bites are painless, mainly because of the anesthetic component found in bed bug saliva; although some develop allergic reactions that lead to itchiness, redness and rashes.

There has been a decrease in bed bug infestations in the mid 20th century but resurgence has been seen in the 1990s. The reason may be attributed to the increase of travel in the recent decades.

Bed bugs spread by latching on to traveler's luggage from their destination and back with them to their homes. For example, when you leave your bags on the hotel floor, resident bed bugs can immediately attach themselves to the crevices. I know it may not seem like it, but bed bugs move very fast and can travel up to 20 feet from their breeding place.

Now that you know how they get around, the most logical thing to do next is to read reviews about the place where you plan to stay. Next, thoroughly inspect the room. Look under the bed covers and open drawers. Here are some bed bug symptoms:

1.Black specks on the mattress (may be bed bug feces)
2.Traces of blood (from their feedings)
3.Egg casings

If you see any of these signs, contact the concierge immediately. If they transfer you to another room, repeat the check again. Before you pack, check your luggage for any signs of these unwanted visitors.

If your home has been infested, it is always best to turn to your local Pest Management Professionals. They are licensed services that are trained to detect, exterminate and protect your home from these parasites.

Vacuuming common bed bug breeding places may also help in protecting your home. Just make sure that you throw the vacuum bag immediately. Some even cover their cushions/mattress in sealed plastic to prevent infestation.

Bed bugs are truly unwanted visitors in our home. Take these steps with you the next time you plan your vacation.

About the Author:

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