A recently published study in the Journal of Medical Entomology titled “Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Cimex lectularius(Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Reporting in Philadelphia, PA” reveals new information about bed bugs, and it doesn’t look good. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania mapped out the bed bug trends over a span of four years (2008-2012) to see if bed bug populations followed measurable patterns.
The study found that the number of bed bugs has been rising 69.45% year-to-year, with peaks in August. Bed bugs have been on the rise for quite some time now, after nearly being eradicated from the US, right after World War II. The eradication of these pests is believed to be from a pesticide known as DDT.
DDT and its effects on the bed bug population
The chemical, DDT, was later found to be highly toxic to the environment, and it was banned in the US in 1972, followed by the rest of the world during the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2001. Following this ban, many species, such as the bald eagle were able to avoid extinction and begin repopulating. Unfortunately, bed bugs are among the species saved, after years of being practically forgotten, they’re back. After the ban, bed bugs made resurgences across the globe, and have been spreading at a record pace. The spread is believed by many to be an unintended effect from this ban, and largely caught the world off guard; making news 10+ years later as bed bugs have become a common pest once again.
How to prevent infestation
Just because bed bugs have become a common pest in recent times doesn’t mean they need to become YOUR pests. Don’t wait for the impending infestations; take preventative measures against bed bugs now! Never bring furniture in from dumpsters or the side of the road, and be cautious of all second-hand items. Bed bugs can live in furniture for up to five months without feeding, and will spread like wildfire once they enter your home.
To remove bed bugs from a home, you need to treat every fabric in the house, and even then, it may take multiple attempts to rid your home of them. If your home has bed bugs, you’re going to need professional assistance.
When the bedbugs come crawling, you know who to start calling. Call the Masters, at Masters Pest Control! We have over 30 years of experience with pest control, so we know bed bugs better than most. Call us at 877-546-9575 or visit us at our website.