The National Pest Management Association has reported a 71-percent increase in bedbug infestation in the U.S. since 2001.
Bedbugs leave a bite similar in appearance to that from a mosquito, which takes 10 to 14 days to surface. Once the itching starts, the bite normally lasts for about a month.
While bothersome, a recent U.S. study found bedbugs rarely, if ever, transmit disease. Systemic reactions have been reported but are rare.
According to researchers, the name "bedbug" can actually be misleading.
"They don't stay in the bed," entomologist and bedbug expert at the University of Florida Phil Koehler, Ph.D., said. "They can be found just about everywhere in the room, and they can be found in sofas. They can be found even in wall sockets, and even inside wall void. Probably, about 30 percent are going to be found in other areas of the room you wouldn't even think of."
Standard treatment for the removal of bedbugs involves replacing furniture or using insecticides.
Researchers at the University of Florida have pioneered a removal system that costs about $300 to put together and keeps furniture intact.
"The idea is that it only takes about 113 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bedbugs," Dr. Koehler said.
The treatment involves building a Styrofoam box around a cluster of the infected furniture and heating up the area using an oil-based space heater. The air is heated to about 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit so the furniture reaches at least 113 degrees.
Dr. Koehler said it usually takes about two and half hours to reach the necessary temperature. The walls of the room are treated with insecticides to ensure all bugs are eliminated.
Source: http://news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=265850&SecID=2
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