Are You Sleeping with Bed Bugs?
July 24, 2011, By Catherine Couretas 0 comments
Bedbugs have been making headlines across the nation. There’s chatter everywhere about how they’ve hit [insert your city’s name here] or somewhere close by. Truth is, however, not many people are familiar with bedbugs.
Not Your Average Mosquito
Bedbugs have a unique look: they’re reddish-brown and flat, according to the Mayo Clinic. They’re shaped like an oval and are less than half the size of your pinky nail. They like to hide in cracks and are very difficult to get rid of, so much so that the clinic recommends professional help.
Bedbugs have been making the rounds recently because of the increase in international travel. Previously, DDT was used to get rid of the pests, but it’s been banned now because it’s such a toxic chemical.
Hook, Line and Sinker
You’re most likely to pick up bedbugs somewhere that has a high turnover like a hotel or hospital. The clinic says the lifetime of a bedbug is only about 10 months, but a female can lay about 200 eggs in that time. Again, they like dark, tight spaces like cracks in wall paint or behind light switches, so beware.
Note: The cleanliness of an area has no effect on whether or not bedbugs will take up living in a particular place. It can be at the most well-kept hotel where you come across bedbugs, because let’s face it, all rooms get dark at night when you shut off the lights, perfect timing for bedbugs to come out for a snack.
NEXT: The Bite
