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.