In 2011, the University of Kentucky and the National Pest Management Association teamed up to conduct the "Bugs Without Borders Survey," a telling examination with results showing that bed bug infestations have increased greatly in recent years. In fact, 99 percent of pest management professionals in North America surveyed reported a call for bed beg control in the past year. That rate was up drastically from only 11 percent of respondents who encountered a bed bug infestation ten years prior.
"The increase in bed bug encounters is likely due to a combination of factors, but one thing is clear - this pest shows no signs of retreating," noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "Of most concern are the places where pest professionals are encountering bed bugs, such as, schools, hospitals, and hotels/motels. In many cases the numbers of professionals who have reported treating certain types of businesses and commercial facilities has seen double digit growth."
Here are four other surprising facts about bed bugs you may not have known.
Bed bugs don't discriminate Bed bugs are commonly associated with hotels, hostels and dirty apartments, but the truth is they are found everywhere. According to the study, infestations of bed bugs have become much more common in public places in recent years. College dorms, movie theaters, transportation services, hospitals, schools, family homes and offices have all experienced cases of bed bug infestations.
Bed bugs are survivors Believe it or not, bed bugs can survive at almost any temperature, from freezing to well over 100 degrees, according to Cornell University. Bed bugs are programmed to survive human conditions and extreme temperatures. They can also survive for up to several months at a time without a single meal, according to the university source. This is how they survive in homes, suitcases, buses and beds for such extended periods of time.
Bed bugs are found in every region Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not just found in cities and rural countries. According to the NPMA, they have been found in all North America and are increasing in their likelihood of invading family homes.
Bed bugs are wise It may sound silly, but bed bugs infest methodically in a way that they know will allow them to survive. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, bed bugs typically only come out at night. They know to stay hidden from view during the day, avoiding being seen by humans. Feeding only takes a few moments, according to the source and if they are really hungry they will come out during the daylight if the opportunity presents itself. However, their feeding pattern is usually predictable.
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You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
