Bed bug graphic by Moxie Pest Control
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Category Archives: bed bug research
Bed Bug Protection in the Form of Arm Hair?
New studies indicate that bed bugs are less likely to bite individuals with more arm hair. Researchers believe this is because the hair slows down the bed bugs and warns the person being bitten. A few brave individuals volunteered to test this theory. Bed bug bites are in fact most likely to occur on the face, wrists and feet; where hair is least likely to grow.
Researchers have gone so far as to suggest that preventing bed bug and other insect bites are the reason why we have arm hair. While this theory may sound extreme, it is plausible considering that the thin hair covering our arms and legs is not quite long enough to protect us from the elements, as it does for other mammals.
Read more about bed bug prevention at our Bed Bug Knowledge Center.
Bed Bugs Resisting Insecticides
New research may shed light on how to get rid of bed bugs
With the sudden resurgence of bed bug infestations popping up not only in New York but all over the United States, many are wondering “What does it take to kill bed bugs and keep them away?” New research has discovered that the new strain of bed bugs is actually resisting many of today’s bed bug insecticides.
People may be relying too much on using these, no longer effective, insecticides to get rid of bed bugs instead of taking preventative measures such as using bed bug proof encasements. The research, published on PLos One this Wednesday, uncovered the underlying genetic mechanism that bed bugs use to withstand many of the common pyrethroids, like deltamethrin and beta-cyfluthrin.
The research noted that the modern “resistant” bed bugs are over 5,000 times more resistant to detamethrin and over 100 times more resistant to beta-cyfluthrin than the older “susceptible’ strain of bed bugs. Using genetic sequencing, Adelman et. al have found that this resistance is probably due to an increase in the newer bed bugs’ metabolic resistance.
This discovery may be the key reason for the sudden return of bed bugs to the United States. Resistance is something that needs to be monitored and accounted for in order to control bed bug infestations, and this new information is the key to creating more effective products.
Read more at www. news.yahoo.com/us-researchers-study-bed-bugs-resistance-032111808.html
What are Bed Bug Mattress Encasements?
Bed Bug Mattress Encasements are mattress covers that restrict the movement of bed bugs to the outside of the encasement, preventing an infestation in the mattress and box spring. Securesleep.com offers scientifically-tested Bed Bug Mattress Encasements that are proven to stop the penetration of bed bugs in fabric, and prevent bed bugs from spreading. These mattress encasements can be used for preventative measures, or on mattresses that have or have had bed bug infestations.
What happens to bed bugs when a mattress encasement is used?
Bed bugs are trapped between the mattress encasements and the mattress where they will eventually die from starvation. Adult bed bugs can live over a year without a blood meal, and nymphs (baby bed bugs) can survive for three months. Therefore, the performance of your encasement is very important to keep bed bugs inside (where they are trapped and can not reach you) or outside of your bed depending on when you encase your mattress.
Secure Sleep Bed Bug Mattress Encasement:
Sizes: crib, twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, cal king
Measurements:
Crib measures: 28W x 52L fits on all standard cribs
Twin measures: 39W x 75L up to 9″ depth
Twin XL measures: 39W x 80L up to 9″ depth
Full measures: 54W x 75L up to 16″ depth
Queen measures: 60W x 80L up to 16″ depth
King measures: 78W x 80L up to 16″ depth
Cal King measures: 72W x 84L up to 16″ depth
Product Features:
100% Micro-Polyester Comfortable,
Breathable Fabric
Patent Pending Zipper Technology
Entomologist Tested Effective
Machine Washable
Lifetime Warranty
Money Back Guarantee
Bed bug research searches for new ways to kill bed bugs
Be d bug elimination has become increasingly difficult and expensive. Killing bed bugs takes up time and often involves paying hundreds of dollars to fumigators or bed bug exterminators.
Feeding Containment Chamber with 2 Adult Bed Bugs
Entomologist Coby Schal of North Carolina State University (NCSU) was recently awarded a $75,000 grant to research new ways to eliminate bed bugs. I recently read a post in response to our youtube bedbug video that read:
I can not believe that we can send men to the moon, probes into space, creating drones to the war, but when small bugs have come is the age of caves, pathetic! !
But since the elimination of DDT, these small bugs seem to be a true cause for concern for many people. We already know that bed bugs are attracted to human heat and CO2. This recent NCSU bed bug research is currently working to understand what exactly bed bugs are attracted to within human blood, so that one day we can create an effective bed bug trap to be able to eliminate these critters in a cost effective way. To watch a video about this research, please click here.
- For more information about bed bug habits and elimination, please visit our bed bug knowledge center.
Where do bed bugs come from?
Bed bugs across the world have people asking the question – Where do they come from? Everyone wants to know where these critters originate and how to eliminate them. Bedbug.com provides some answers to this question and many more bed bug mysteries.
So, where do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed Bug Cartoon by Kittylibber
- Bed bugs reside in temperate zones across the world.
- Bed bug infestations have increased due to an increase in international travel, and avaliable hosts.
- Due to the elimination of powerful pesticides, such as DDT, in the 1950′s, bed bugs have been able to rebuild thier populations.
- Recent research indicates that bedbugs have become more resilient to recent methods of killing bed bugs.
- Common locations for bed bug infestation are in hotels, apartments, dorm rooms, hostels, cruise ships, hospitals, and moving vans. However, bed bugs can reside anywhere and survive for months without a single blood meal!
Where do bed bugs hide in your home?
- Bed bugs hide during the day, and do most of thier feeding at night.
- Bed bugs typically hide nears beds; in mattresses, box springs and headboards. This is where the bed bugs can typically feed for longest while you sleep.
- Bed bugs are typically transported though luggage, bedding, clothing and used furniture.
How Can I Protect A Bed or Luggage from Bed Bugs?
- Purchase bed bug mattress covers or luggage liners.
- Read up on more bedbug prevention tips beofre planning your next vacation or home update.
- Watch this helpful video on how to identify a bed bug infestation.
Bedbug.com Reviews – SecureSleep Bed Bug Crib Mattress Covers Reviews
SecureSleep Bed Bug Crib Mattress Covers Reviews – for the smart consumer looking for the best bed bug mattress cover out there!
Bedbug.com SecureSleep Crib Mattress Bed Bug Covers 
When in search of good bed bug covers you need a cover that not only prevents bed bugs from escaping but also prevents bed bugs from biting. A good bed bug cover must also be breathable for a comfortable night’s sleep. The Secure Sleep bed bug covers have been specifically designed to deliver the ultimate protection against bed bugs with scientifically-tested and patent pending zipper technology and special bite-proof fabric.
| PARAMETERS | STAR RATING |
| 1. Bed Bug Bite Proof |  |
| 2. Bed Bug Escape Proof | |
| 3. Zipper Quality | |
| 4. Tightness of Seams | |
| 5. Quality of Mattress & Pillow Covers |  |
| 6. Quality of Box Spring Cover | |
| 7. Sleeping Comfort: quiet and soft under sheets (no plastic feel) | |
| 8. Breathability |  |
| 9. Easy to put on | |
| 10. Manufacturer’s Warranty | |
Pluses:
- The special reinforced zippers have Velcro and extra fabric to ensure a secure closure that will not let sneaky bed bugs in or out
- Comfortable to sleep on – The American Sleep Association (ASA) conducted rigorous testing in both real-world sleep environments and a state-of-the-art sleep laboratory on the SecureSleep mattress covers and they passed with flying colors, receiving the exclusive endorsement of the ASA.
- Great Value and Protection for Baby! These covers protect against more than just bed bugs. They keep dust mites, pollens, dust, molds, fungus and bio-fluids from contaminating your mattress, box spring and pillows to help provide a healthier night’s sleep.
- These come with a lifetime warranty so you know they will last!
Minuses:
- Because these are a synthetic fabric with a polyurethane laminate, they could potentially irritate a child with extreme sensitive skin or multiple chemical sensitivities
Summary:
The SecureSleep bed bug encasements are a #1 choice on my list. They offer unbeatable protection against bed bug bites and their special reinforced zippers make it impossible for bed bugs to escape or enter these covers. The micro-polyester fabric feels soft to the touch and you would never know it has a laminate layer. Their exclusive endorsement from the American Sleep Association (ASA) increases my confidence in these cover’s ability to provide a safe, healthy, and comfortable sleep environment. Not to mention they are covered by a lifetime warranty! What’s more, these encasing offer all the benefits of a dust mite cover providing an impenetrable barrier to dust mites and their allergens, pollens, dust, molds, fungus and bio-fluids.
What do bed bugs look like?
Is it a bed bug, a tick, or what?
Been itching from ‘bed bugs’ bites or seeing bugs but not sure what they are?
Well here are some telltale anatomical signs to know that what you’re looking at is indeed a bed bug.
- A bed bug has 6 legs. If it has 8 legs, it may be a tick or a mite.
- A bed bugs antennae point forward and are about half as long as the body. If the antennae are much longer, it’s not a bedbug (but may be a roach nymph).
- Its head is broadly attached to its body.
- Bed bugs do not have wings. They crawl from place to place.
DIY: Home made bed bug prevention
Bed bugs crawling on the corner of a mattress
Once you’ve got bed bugs, we don’t recommend taking things into your own hands. That’s why exterminators were invented.
But what can you do to prevent bed bugs at home before that happens?
Here are some quick and easy steps typically recommended by bed bug professionals:
- Make sure your bed is not touching the wall
- Remove excess clutter from your apartment or wall
- If your neighbor has bed bugs, make sure to get your apartment checked out too (p.s. This is a new law about adjacent apartments in NY state!)
- Keep personal items like purses off of the floor, especially in public areas.
- Make a moat to protect your bed! Putting some talcom powder in a plastic bowl can prevent bed bugs from being able to climb onto your bed.
- Encase, just in case! Buy clothing and mattress protectors that are certified bed bug proof, to ensure that bed bugs cannot bite through.
Bed bugs are now harder than ever to kill – Why can’t we kill bedbugs?
Popular Science recently reported that the bed bug resurgence is not just increasing vast, but also increasingly infuriating!
How exactly have bedbugs come back to infest homes and beds across the world? Research suggests there are a few reasons:
- Thicker Skin – New research seeks to measure their cuticle thickness and hydrocarbon content, which indicates how much wax is present and just how strong bedbugs are.
- Faster Metabolism – Bed bug gene changes are allowing them to create more enzymes to metabolize oily toxins like pyrethroids, which are typically used by exterminators.
- Chemical Blocking - Bed bugs are constantly adapting. Current chemicals used for bed bug elimination target the sodium channel, but bed bugs are now mutated causing this method to be ineffective. Because they have to, pest control professionals are now learning to be more creative in killing bed bugs.
- Physical bed bug elimination - The newest techniques are pretty old. Searching, cleaning and vacuuming to eliminate bed bugs in your home. It’s painstaking, but it may be what works currently. Bed bug dogs are often used to sniff out their hiding spots. However, if you have an infestation, I’d encourage washing all clothes and sheets in over 120 degree heat.
Some good news is that research in bed bug prevention is ongoing, and bed bug prevention options are available. If you think you may have bed bugs or would like more information bed bug elimination, visit us anytime at Bedbug.com.
