For years, bed bugs were thought to be a problem firmly rooted in the past. However, recent research from America has shown that bed bugs are back with a vengeance. And, it's not just beds that they inhabit…
Bed bugs - a 'national problem'
According to Richard Pollack, Ph.D., an entomologist at the Harvard School of Public Health, bed bugs are once again proving to be a 'national problem' in the US. As well as living in your bedroom, bed bugs are now also turning up in shops, offices and other public locations.
According to Forbes magazine, in the last few weeks there have been confirmed bed bug invasions in several high profile New York locations including the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, the offices of Elle magazine and a Times Square cinema.
Why are bed bugs back?
Michael Potter, Ph.D., an entomologist at the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, believes that bed bugs have returned thanks to greater social mobility and international travel. In addition, there have been changes in pest control which includes using less effective pesticides.
In addition, Potter also says that there has been a 'total loss of awareness and lack of vigilance'. "People in the old days knew to check their hotel beds, their clothing when it was back from the laundry and what their kids brought home from camp. We have a whole new generation [that thinks] stuff doesn't bite you when you're sleeping. We opened the door and allowed them to come roaring back."
Taking bed bugs into work
Harvard scientist Richard Pollack explains, "For as long as we've been working in offices and factories, we have been accompanied by stowaways - cockroaches will crawl into our pockets, spiders will go for a ride. Bed bugs are the latest thing to appear on people's radar." Bed bugs are carried into your office or workplace on your clothes, bag, wallet and coat. Whilst bed bugs like living in your bed and your sofa at home, there are places at work where they can thrive. "They tend to prefer fabrics and wood, but they can be drawn to warmth and end up almost anywhere," says Potter.
How to stop them
Bed bugs look like small apple seeds and their droppings appear like flakes of pepper. You may also note that you have small bites on your legs and arms. Bite symptoms vary, from nothing at all to welling and itchy red welts. However, you should remember that bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases.
If you find bed bugs, it is vital that you thoroughly clean the infested room. Make sure your mattress is thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned and you could also consider placing your mattress under plastic or in a mattress bag. As a last resort, you could replace an old mattress with a new one.
