How Does a Person Get Bed Bugs? | eHow

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Bed bugs, those unsavory and unattractive bloodsuckers, are found in all countries on every continent. Their presence was greatly reduced in developed countries over the last 50 to 60 years, but recently they have made a comeback. More pest than health hazard, they travel undetected from place to place in a variety of ways.

Bed bugs were introduced to the new world by the early colonists who ferried them to the Americas aboard old sailing ships. They were widespread in America and Canada, but native American villages did not suffer from the infestation. Contemporaneous surveys revealed that up to a third of all homes in some cities were havens for these pests. In low-income areas virtually 100 percent of homes were infested. Almost everyone in the early 20th century had seen or been bitten by a bed bug.

There are several types of bed bugs. The common household bed bug is the one found worldwide. The tropical bed bug is found in warm climates such as Florida and infest poultry and bats. The aptly named bat bug attacks bats primarily but won't turn down a meal of blood from a human host within its reach. The Mexican chicken bug is mostly found in North America and chooses its victims from domestic birds and fowl on poultry farms. Barn swallow bugs invade swallow nests and feed on these birds but will settle for human blood when birds migrate.

Bed bugs travel from one place to another in any number of ways. Their small size--4 to 5mm for an adult--allows them to hide in tiny crevices in luggage, mattresses, new and used furniture items and even your child's duffel bag that he brings home from college. They vary in color from pale to deep reddish-brown. Bed bugs reproduce prolifically and are hardy enough to adjust to most environments. You can find them in penthouses and flophouses and anywhere they have access to warm-blooded hosts.

Some misconceptions about bed bugs include the false belief that they can jump and fly. They do neither. They simply crawl from their hiding places such as mattress folds, pillowcases and bedspreads, inject an anesthetic and anti-blood clotting saliva into the usually sleeping victim and feed on the blood. Although they are a major headache they are not believed to carry or transmit human diseases. Their bites leave small welts but cause no real injury or sickness.

To prevent infestation by bed bugs you must first detect their presence. Search for small blood spots from crushed bugs, fecal matter and signs of bites on arms, legs and other body parts. Determine the exact species by consulting an exterminator who can also take the necessary action to eradicate the pests. Carefully clean all bed items regularly to kill adults and eggs. Steam cleaning carpets can rid them of bugs living there. Overall good hygiene can alleviate bed bugs and prevent re-infestation. Be careful to observe all instructions when using any pesticides.

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How Does a Person Get Bed Bugs? | eHow

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