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

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.

• How much money have you spent getting rid of bed bugs? Vote Here

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3.  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.
4. 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.

Bed Bugs may Spread Disease

Bedbug research poses a new health concern, which may mean a new need for bed bug mattress protection

Bed bugs are spreading across the United States at a rapid pace; infesting homes, office buildings, and even hospitals! Researchers  in a Vancouver hospital found bed bugs carrying diseases such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci) -  according to reports in the June edition of the CDC journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

While past research indicates that bed bugs are not known to spread infectious diseases to humans, these findings may shed doubt on that belief. While no further disease transmission through bedbugs has yet been discovered, the phenotype of MRSA found in the bedbugs did match that found in many Eastside patients. Researchers conclude that it is possible that these critters are responsible for transmitting these diseases in overcrowded and impoverished cities. Just one more reason not to let the bed bugs bite!

These findings have encouraged many people to reconsider bed bug prevention plans, including bed bug encasement’s to protect beds, clothing and luggage from infestations. There are proactive steps that you can take prevent bed bugs from infesting your home. Some infestation prevention tips include:

• Reducing clutter in your home.
• Encasing your mattresses and box springs with bed bug proof materials.
• Checking websites like trip advisor for bed bug reports before booking a hotel.
• Keeping your clothing in certified bed bug proof encasements.

You can read up on more safety tips by visiting bedbug.com today!