Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Bed bugs may not seem like much of a problem in modern America and other developed countries (except for the occasional infestation of a college dorm room or poorly regulated motel building), but in developed countries an invasion these irritating critters are quite an ordeal. In fact, according to SciSchow, bed bugs are the fastest growing pest control emergency in the developing world.

Like mosquitoes, bed bugs bite the skin and feed on the blood they find. However, they do not transmit diseases like mosquitoes do, and allergic reactions are rare. Prevention is key when avoiding a bed bug infiltration of your home; once they arrive and put up camp it is hard to get rid of them.

Prevention techniques include a careful examination of furniture or other items that are brought into the home. But if bed bugs do take over, washing bedding at high temperatures is necessary. Sometimes pesticides are needed. These bugs are tricky to eliminate because they can survive over a year without feeding.