Bed bugs were typical in the U.S. before World War II and became rare after widespread use of the pesticide DDT began in the 1940s and 1950s. They remained prevalent in other areas of the world and, in recent years, have been progressively observed again in the United States Increases in immigration and travel from the developing world as well as restrictions on the use of stronger pesticides may be factors that have led to the relatively recent increase in bed bug infestations. While bedbugs are often reported to be found when sanitation conditions are poor or when birds or mammals (particularly bats) are nesting on or near a home, bed bugs can also live and flourish in clean environments. Crowded living quarters also make possible the spread of bed bugs.
With the end of the summer travel season, college students (and others) should be aware that they may be bringing some undesireable guests with them as they travel back to school. Students should vigilantly inspect their luggage, particularly if they have been traveling this summer. Places where students may have picked up bedbugs may include hotels, hostels, resorts, or other places where there is a potential for many people to rest or sleep over time. Places where large amounts of luggage are stored may also enable bed bugs to spread.
When purchasing used beds, mattresses and other furniture, students should that an inspection for bed bugs was done by a person who is experienced with finding bed bugs on these items. If purchasing from a private vendor, make sure you have an opportunity to inspect the items. If buying from a place of business, verify there is a policy about inspecting and preventing bed bug infestations on the used furniture.
Students are strongly cautioned against “scavenging” beds and furniture that have seemingly been discarded and left by the curb for removal , or behind places of business. Bedbug infestations are not limited to beds and mattresses, and they can be found on tables, drawers, and even electronics if these items were located in a bedroom or other place that could support an infestation.
If a bedbug infestation is found , a professional pest management expert should be called for accurate control measures. Control practices against these secretive pests must be detailed and extensive , because of some strange behaviors that have been encountered with some infestations. Most of the bed bugs will be located around areas where people rest , but a percentage of bugs will move away from these sites to “hide” in more remote areas. If people do not deal with these “remote bugs”, an infestation will continue .
Bed bugs are probably the most difficult pest problem currently facing the pest control industry. There are many pests that homeowners may decide to try and control on their own but bed bugs should not be one of them. The bottom line is that bed bug work requires a highly trained professional. It takes hard work, and follow-up efforts. Once you are experiencing a bed bug problem you should contact a pest control specialist as soon as possible !
