In the United States, up to and during World War II, bed bugs were a problem until the use of pesticides became more common.
Their use proved to be very effective for preventing infestations, these pesticides included Malathion and DDT.
Because of their use, bed bugs were nearly eradicated in the U.
S.
The re-entrance of these pests in many countries including Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.
S.
, began again in the 1990's because they migrate very easily, reproduce prolifically and are virtually undetectable.
Since they were not a common pest for many years there is a general lack of awareness of the potential for re-infestation.
Educating yourself on the prevention, identification and treatment process can help you protect your home from an infestation.
Reasons Why They Are Back So they are back and spreading throughout the United States, why is this happening? There is not a definitive reason for their resurgence in the United States, but new infestations do appear to be linked with travel and most infestations have been associated with hotel rooms.
Hotels have replaced the use of routine, residual type pest treatments with more targeted applications.
Because of this, they now easily move between beds to luggage and create new infestations in new places.
They feed on human blood and need blood to reproduce.
A female can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, so without insecticides to hinder them they happily wait for the next guest to check in.
Bed bugs easily adapt to new environments, all you need to do is to stay the night in a place that has been infested and they will readily move with you to your next destination and of course right back to your home! Bed bug Solutions So what can you do to protect yourself and your home? The best thing is to be aware of them, determine where they are likely to be, and take the necessary precautions to keep them from traveling with you.
1.
When you are traveling, seal your clothes in air-tight bags.
If the bags are not air-tight, then these pests can get inside.
There are multiple products available for that purpose.
2.
In a hotel room never put your suitcases on the couch or on the bed, keep them off the floor.
Use the tables, counters, luggage stands or closet shelves instead.
Many people keep their luggage in the bathtub to prevent these unwanted travel companions.
3.
Before you leave, check yourself and your luggage thoroughly.
Although your room may not have had any evidence of bed bugs be sure to look for these signs, check for bites, and inspect the seams, nooks, folds and creases of your bags.
4.
When you get home, if possible, unpack directly into your washing machine.
Do not put your bags in your living room or on your bed.
Unpack on a hard, light colored surface so you can spot any bed bugs that might come out.
Unpack directly into a plastic bag that you can then seal to prevent any bed bugs from escaping.
Trash bags will work for this purpose and then put the clothing directly into the laundry.
5.
Be sure to vacuum your luggage inside and out.
Use a bag type vacuum to trap and kill any bed bugs that are found.
Check all folds, seams and pockets carefully and treat it with an insecticide product such as Diatomaceous earth, which is designed to kill crawling insects.
Another effective solution is using heat.
Put your luggage in black trash bags and let them sit in your car, while the car is out in the sun for a few hours.
The temperature needs to reach at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit inside the trash bags.
Put only one suitcase in a trash bag at a time otherwise the bed bugs can find a cooler place to hide in between the bags.
The overall solution is to be aware of the problem and take these necessary precautions to prevent bringing the problem home.
If you would like suggestions on reviewed products that have been effective to prevent and treat bed bug infestations select the link below.