BED BUGS
YOU GOT EM….Get Rid Of Them
Do you feel little bites at night ?
Been in a Motel lately…
Had guests lately ?
The Parasite: The life cycle of bedbugs — and the secret to this parasite's success — begins during the violent act of reproduction. Aptly named traumatic insemination, the male bedbug stabs the female in the back with his reproductive organ and ejaculates into the female's body cavity. She heals within 24 hours and then goes on to lay up to 12 eggs a day and up to 500 over the course of a lifetime. The eggs hatch into nymphs within 10 days, and these small translucent bugs are immediately attracted to warm-blooded food sources ... like humans.
The carbon dioxide in humans' breath and their body heat attract the tiny bedbugs, and they then use an elongated mouth, called a stylet, to suck blood from their unsuspecting victim (who is usually fast asleep, as bedbugs are more active during the night). The engorged bug then retreats for seven days before emerging to feed again. It will molt four more times before reaching adulthood and mating, starting the life cycle all over again. Bedbugs were nearly eradicated 60 years ago, but they have returned with a vengeance. Their numbers have increased 50 fold in the last five years alone.
The Infection: Bedbugs are best known for their bites, which usually go unnoticed by a sleeping human. The symptoms vary according to the individual. Some people develop itchy red welts or swelling within a day of being bitten. Others have a delayed reaction or no reaction whatsoever. Bedbugs feed on whatever skin is exposed during the night, so bites can be found on the face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, back or other parts of the body. The welts and itching are sometimes blamed on mosquitoes or other insects, and so infestations can sometimes go unnoticed for long periods of time. Bedbugs are also known to cause sleeplessness, anxiety and general discomfort at night.
Treatment: Antihistamines or corticosteroids can be prescribed to reduce allergic reactions to bedbug bites. Antiseptic or antibiotic ointments can also be used to prevent infection. Conventional insect repellents do not appear to be effective in combating bedbugs. In order to stop the infestation, professional pest control firms may be employed. Infested bedding and clothing will need to be thoroughly laundered to kill all remaining bedbugs. It may sometimes be necessary to throw out infested items, such as upholstered furniture.
Prevention: To prevent bed bug infestations, people should be careful about acquiring furnishings — particularly couches and beds. Curbside items should be avoided and second-hand items should be cleaned thoroughly. Travelers may also want to get into the habit of checking hotel beds for signs of bedbugs, keeping their suitcase elevated from the floor and washing all clothes/luggage upon returning home.
Dr George y Li Ruwwe