Why Are They Called Bed Bugs?
November 27, 2019
And Other Interesting Things You May Not Have Known
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.
Why Are They Called Bed Bugs?
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.
Bed Bugs Don't Discriminate
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.
Infestations Are Causing Anxiety and Isolation
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.
Bed Bug Spit Contains an Anesthetic
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!
Don't Tackle Your Infestation Alone
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.
Spider webs don’t have to be a constant nuisance with consistent removal, smart prevention strategies, and support from a trusted pest control provider.
How To Get Rid of Carpenter Ants Removing ants from your home can be challenging, and if not executed properly, it may exacerbate the issue and allow the colony to spread throughout your residence. Numerous over-the-counter pesticides are marketed for ant control, but they often fail to address the root cause of the infestation. What Lures Carpenter Ants Ants invade your home because they discover an environment that offers favorable conditions along with food and water sources. Typically, ants are drawn to moisture issues, particularly Carpenter Ants. Over time, the barriers that prevent moisture from penetrating the wood in your home deteriorate. Windowsills and door frames begin to degrade, caulking cracks, and moisture seeps into these areas. When wood moisture levels rise, it creates an inviting environment for various wood-destroying pests, including ants. Carpenter Ants utilize their mandibles to excavate the wood, creating nesting cavities. While they do not consume wood like termites , they can still inflict damage, including structural harm to your home if not addressed promptly. Black Carpenter Ants Ants, in general, are social insects, each fulfilling specific roles within their colony. They collaborate and share resources throughout their community. To effectively eliminate ants, it is crucial not to disrupt their activities but rather to provide them with something they recognize as food or a substance they cannot detect, which will spread throughout the colony and eradicate the source of the infestation. Carpenter Ants, in particular, can have multiple satellite colonies away from the main colony, depending on their level of establishment. The primary colony can be located up to 300 feet from a satellite colony, often found in decaying trees, logs, or nearby woodpiles. How to Treat Carpenter Ants – Mount Gilead, Ohio Many homeowners prefer to tackle these annoying pests on their own to save some money. While this might seem like a cost-effective choice, it can sometimes worsen the issue by embedding the problem deeper into your home, causing the colony to spread and divide. Many over-the-counter solutions, such as chemicals, essential oils, and vinegar, are designed to repel insects quickly, providing a temporary fix. This approach may push the ants out of sight, but it creates a repellant barrier that can lead to the ants splitting into two groups, allowing them to infiltrate untreated areas of your home. Consequently, this method fails to eliminate the source colony from which the ants originate. Liquid Ant Bait For minor ant infestations, using an over-the-counter borax ant bait can be an effective first step in the elimination process until a pest control expert can evaluate and address the issue properly. Ant baits are specifically designed to attract ants, which perceive them as food, and they subsequently distribute it throughout the colony. Borax ant baits offer a low-risk option to help prevent a larger infestation from developing. Control Carpenter Ants – Columbus, Ohio In the end, having ants in your home can pose a more significant problem than just the few visible in your kitchen or bathroom. Engaging a pest control professional like Restoration Pest Management, who can accurately diagnose and treat the infestation, is the most effective solution for long-term success . While homeowners can perform localized and spot treatments, a pest control expert will ensure your whole home is safeguarded against ant invasions both now and in the future. Contact Restoration Pest Management today at 614-204-8630 for your complimentary quote.
Relying on mice repellent spray can delay proper treatment, giving mice time to reproduce and cause damage, chew wiring, contaminate food, and spread bacteria.
Winter is the perfect time to schedule a seasonal termite check. Protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind with a professional inspection.
If you are trying to get rid of bed bugs, it is important to understand what you are dealing with and why professional treatment is often the most effective solution
Learn how to prevent mice in the attic, which cause serious issues, including structural damage, contamination of insulation, and potential health hazards.
Wood-destroying insects like termites, Powderpost beetles and carpenter ants can cause serious structural damage long before homeowners notice a problem.
Bed bugs and fleas may seem similar at first glance, but they are very different pests with unique challenges and elimination methods.
Here’s what you need to know about spider infestations according to the experts at Restoration Pest Management, the leaders in spider extermination in Ohio.
Bald-faced hornets in Columbus are aggressive, can sting repeatedly, and build large aerial nests. Learn why DIY removal is dangerous and when to call for professional hornet control.