Bedbugs Making A Comeback

During World War II, many governments used DDT to exterminate parasites in troops. DDT was effective against malaria-spreading mosquitoes, lice that transmitted typhus, and several species of arthropods. After the war, DDT was used as an agricultural insecticide but was banned in the US in 1972 due to its toxic nature. Its use continues in limited use to control the spread of disease.

DDT was also effective in controlling bed bugs. Once the most common parasite in the world, bedbugs were eradicated in America and many developed nations thanks to the toxic nature of DDT. However bedbugs survived in third world countries and are making their way back to developed nations due to increased world travel, immigration, and pesticide resistance. Many cities are discovering outbreaks of bedbugs, and bedbugs are now found in some of the finest hotels in the world. As well as hotels, they are often found in places with high turnover, such as dorms, barracks and apartments. College kids frequently bring them home for the holidays.

Bedbugs are wingless creatures that feed on human, poultry, and bat blood. They are approximately ¼ inch and are often mistaken for ticks. The bite is painless but results in small bumps that may itch. The bites are often lined up in a row known as the breakfast, lunch, dinner sign. They can be written off as other insect bites or a skin condition. There are no diseases associated with bedbug, and unless an allergic reaction occurs there is no need to seek treatment.

Infestations can be difficult to spot. Since they hide during the day, come out to feed at night, and can go for months without feeding, they may go unnoticed until they start feeding. During daylight hours look for their molted exoskeletons and small, black excrement. Bedbugs can hide in very small spaces in the home, and are very fond of mattresses. Excess clutter also makes great hiding spots for bedbugs.

Like all parasites, bedbug infestation can be difficult to control. Over the counter bug sprays are not effective and experts may need to be called in. CleanAir Treatments LLC out of Michigan recommends ozone as a green treatment for bedbugs. According to their website at http://cleanairtreatments.com/index.html, ozone is safer, more effective and faster than conventional disinfectants. Also known as activated oxygen, ozone is also effective against toxic mold, mildew and viruses without leaving behind a dangerous chemical residue.

Source: http://www.examiner.com