Are Bed Bugs On the Rise?

Have you recently heard anyone who had a problem with bed bugs? The chances are pretty high that more people have in recent years. Why is this so? It all has to do with how they are managed and exterminated.

History
Bed bugs have always been a common pest that have bugged humans for years. They’ve existed for many centuries and eventually found their way to North America in the suitcases of the colonists. Bed bugs were everywhere, sucking the blood of almost everyone. However, this all changed right around when World War II ended.

Pesticides
Right after the second World War ended, strong pesticides were created to combat bed bugs. DDT and chlordane were introduced and the bed bug population virtually disappeared. All was wonderful and happy in the beds of the American people until the early ‘70s. In 1972, DDT was banned due to the harmful effects it had on humans and animals alike; with chlordane’s ban following in 1988.

Present Day
The old fumigation methods were effective, but extremely hazardous to everyone’s health. Nowadays, the current pesticides used to remove bedbugs aren’t as harmful and do a great job at targeting this specific species. Since bed bugs haven’t been front page news in many years, people forget that they do exist. Ignorance of these pests can lead to an increase in their population and them spreading geographically. It’s best that people know the proper bed bug precautions and have a pest control expert on speed dial just in case!

Bed bugs might be seen more now than they were 10 to 20 years ago so it’s best that you be mindful of their presence. When you have the unfortunate experience of hosting bed bugs in your home, contact the professionals at Knockout Pest Control. To learn more, or to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.

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