Bed bugs have always been a major problem. The United States simply got a short reprieve because of the widespread use of newly discovered pesticides and the invention of washers, driers, and vacuum cleaners. The 1950’s were a time of great change and discovery, and this combination of inventions did such a good job of killing bed bugs that, in the early 60’s, entomologists were hard-pressed to find a single bed bug in the U.S. to study. But, it was found that one of the pesticides that effectively controlled bed bugs was also harmful to us, and it had to be banned by the U.S. government.
Hitchhiking Bugs
While we enjoyed a few decades of peace, bed bugs were still plaguing the rest of the world. It was only a matter of time for these pests to make their way back to our shores. After all, bed bugs are a hitchhiking bug. They hide in suitcases, bags, bedding, and other belongings. They lay their eggs in clothing and in the seams of objects we transport around.
World Travel
At the end of the last century, we saw an explosion in world travel. For a hitchhiking bug, this was a real shot in the arm. That is why we began to see infestations skyrocket at the end of the 1990’s. Now, in just over sixteen years, these pests seem to be everywhere. They can be found in hotels, motels, resorts, and cabins. They have been found in trains, planes, buses, taxis, and other public transportation. They can even be found infesting unlikely places like movie theaters and libraries. Bed bugs are simply everywhere!
Gas Prices
Another factor that experts link to the increase of bed bug infestations is the low cost of oil. When gas prices are low, we tend to take longer trips. And, when we take longer trips, we tend to stay somewhere overnight. This opens us up to bringing these pests back to our homes.
Is There A Solution?
Leading entomologists believe that public awareness and routine pest control can fix the problem. If more people learn to recognize these bugs when they see them, bed bugs won't have as much opportunity to spread. And, if more business and homeowners take proactive measures to inspect for bed bugs and get focused treatments, these pests won't have an opportunity to get a foothold.
Learn how to recognize and inspect for bed bugs and keep your home or business safe with routine bed bug inspections and treatments from a pest professional. If we work together, we can push these bugs back to the levels of the 1950’s.
You don't have to let the bed bugs bite. American Pest Solutions has bed bugs solutions from start to finish. Get protected today.