Whether you have dealt with these relentless parasites yourself, or know a friend or family member that has, Bed Bugs are simply the stuff of nightmares. Notorious for ruining relationships, plaguing entire cities, and even affecting our mental health, there is a reason major news publications and government agencies are putting them in the spotlight. Hit pieces against these uninvited roommates are common, with ominous titles such as "How Bed Bugs Invaded New York" and "Are Bed Bugs Killing Relationships and Romance?", urging all to steer clear of these invading pests or face the dire consequences. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of truth to their warnings. Found in all 50 states, Bed Bugs continue to be a rising problem for every area in the country, setting up shop wherever you unknowingly carry them, and provoking litigation against landlords everywhere. 

  

It may come as a surprise to many, but the name "Bed Bugs" is not an entirely accurate moniker for these bloodsuckers. They have likely earned this name due to their habit of feeding on hosts as they sleep, thus retreating into the nearest hiding spot, which just so happens to be your bed. Though they're synonymous with beds, they will live in almost anything that provides protection, often hitching a ride inside clothing, suitcases, furniture, and even been found in shoes. Regardless of where you find them, the Bed Bug nickname has stuck, striking terror into tenants and homeowners across the country.

Bed Bugs Have Been a Known Nuisance for Thousands of Years

Though an infestation may have you rightly asking why karma is punishing you, remember that Bed Bugs have been harassing us for centuries. Aristotle first mentioned these bothersome bugs in ancient Greece, and they have been recorded in the modern world ever since. They were even believed to hold medicinal purposes, used for treating snake bites and hysteria, instead of causing hysteria as they understandably do today. Though they were almost eradicated due to the use of the powerful pesticide DDT, they rebounded significantly since DDT was banned by the EPA and have become resistant to milder pesticides.

There has been a common myth associated with Bed Bugs, they are attracted to unsanitary conditions. This could not be further from the truth, as Bed Bugs are found in all types of environments. Though more densely populated areas such as cities are known for widespread infestations, that is due to increased opportunities to be carried from building to building. Bed Bugs have been found in 5-star hotels, expensive restaurants, and even the headquarters for the New York Times. 

Unsanitary conditions may give them more places to hide; it does not attract them more than any other place where possible meals congregate.

A 2011 survey had found that one out of every five Americans has either had an outbreak or knows someone who has. With occurrences happening that frequently, it's easy to see how these tiny pests are causing enormous amounts of anxiety. Multiple studies have compared the mental consequences of Bed Bug infestations to similarities in PTSD patients, yet another reason Bed Bugs have been declared a public health crisis by the CDC and other government agencies. 

 

Waking up to itchy welts and mild rashes is a clear cut sign that you may have been a Bed Bug's lunch, but have you ever wondered why you don't feel their bites? Bed Bug saliva contains a mild anesthetic, numbing the bite location so they can keep on feeding without interrupting your beauty rest. How nice of them!

 

Their eggs are almost too small for the eye to see, reaching only 1-millimeter-long, while the insect itself can range up to 4 millimeters. Due to that small size and nocturnal habits, they can easily go undetected for long periods. These creepy crawlers also possess surprising survival instincts, purposefully avoiding meals during times where they can be detected. Known as the premier pest control company in Columbus, Ohio, our team at Restoration Pest Management will do just that, rid your home from current Bed Bugs and protect you from further invasions with our Peace of Mind service plans. Do not struggle alone, seek out our dedicated team with over a decade of extermination experience today.