The Re-Emergence of Bed Bugs in Modern Society
“Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite" may seem like a harmless nursery rhyme, but with the re-emergence of bed bugs in recent years, it has become more of a nightmare!
While the problem of bed bugs was all but eradicated in the 1950s, within the last five years, there has been a major re-infestation throughout the United States. The problem seems to be getting worse instead of getting better. In fact, reported cases have jumped to an unprecedented 500% increase.
The resurgence of bed bugs can be attributed to several factors. One is the increase in international travel. In recent years, metropolitan cities, which serve as major airline hubs, have seen the sharpest rise in bed bugs. This is due to travelers who unwittingly transport the bed bugs in their suitcases and personal belongings. Bed bug eggs are sticky, and can easily cling to clothes, shoes and even skin. Other factors include the elimination of DDT from the approved chemicals list and genetic changes in the bug itself that have made them more immune to those chemicals that are approved.
From five-star hotels to college dorm rooms, bed bug infestation is growing at an alarmingly fast rate. In hotels, unsuspecting hotel guests stay a few days, sleep on a bed bug infested mattress and are bitten. A few days later, the guest moves out and inadvertently transports the bed bugs home in their suitcase. The next unsuspecting guest arrives to the hotel room, and the cycle that spreads the bed bugs continues.
Bed bugs are turning up in multi-unit dwellings including apartment buildings, college dormitories and nursing homes as well, because they are easily carried in second hand furniture, carpeting, clothing, mattresses and box springs.
Yet another reason for the resurgence of bed bugs is the relative ineffectiveness of today’s treatments that are being used to killing bed bugs. While poisonous insecticides such as DDT are banned from use, bed bugs seem to be developing immunities to the approved chemicals being used today.
Whatever the reasons, bed bug infestation is again becoming a serious issue, and the only way to get rid of the problem is though vigilance and preventive measures.
Entomologists and pest control specialists alike strongly recommend routine inspections of the home by a professional, and as a preventative measure, mattresses, box springs and pillows should be encased with a bed bug certified cover like the ones found on bedbug.com.
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