Small parasitic insects like bed bugs feed on human and animal blood. They are oval, 3-5 mm, and reddish-brown. Although bed bugs are not acknowledged to spread diseases, their bites can be painful and unpleasant.

Bed bugs infestations occur worldwide but are most common in tropical and subtropical regions. They typically live in cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture. Bed bugs are often found in hotels, motels, and other places where people sleep.

Reach out to a pest control company to get bed bugs exterminated if you suspect you have them. Avoid getting rid of them on your own, as this could worsen matters.

Without expert help, bed bugs can be very difficult to eradicate once you have them. However, where did bed bugs come from, and how did they go from one place to another? Let's look into it!

Where Did Bed Bugs Initially Show Up?

Mankind has struggled with bed bugs for well over a thousand years. Most scholars believe that bats are to blame for the proliferation of bed bugs in the Middle East because bats and humans likely once shared many of the same caves.

Along with civilization, bed bugs spread and evolved. These pests were managed by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

Bed bugs gradually made their way into homes around Europe, Asia, and Africa, regardless of household income. Then, European settlers brought the pests to the Americas. All continents, except for Antarctica, currently have bed bugs.

DDT's Initial Advantages and Serious Drawbacks

The insecticide DDT was industrialised in the 1940s to halt the spread of Typhus and other insect-borne diseases that harm soldiers and civilians.

Because of DDT's growing renown in the US, bed insect infestations, which were a severe issue, were momentarily discouraged.

Unfortunately, using DDT also has significant disadvantages. Even though it had a detrimental effect on bird populations, in particular, it was labelled as a possible carcinogen and began to lose its usefulness as a pesticide. 

As a result, DDT was banned in 1972. Bed bug infestations were rare since the number of bed bugs in the country was lower.

Since the 1980s, bed bug populations have increased in many countries, including the US.

Scientists suggest that various factors are responsible for the increase in infestations.

Contributing factors include increased demand for vintage and antique furniture, increased foreign travel, hotel pest management procedures change, and bigger bed bug pesticide resistance (even DDT).

How Do Populations of Bed Bugs Increase?

By adhering to surfaces including skin, hair, animal fur, clothing, luggage, and others, bed bugs regularly travel from one place to another.

Even while bed bugs are frequently associated with dirty dwellings or lower-class neighbourhoods, they have been found in opulent mansions and 5-star hotels. These microscopic bloodsuckers will hide in almost any tiny crack if it gives them access to a person or animal they may feed on.

Where Can You Find Bed Bugs?

In between cushions on couches, chairs, or benches in homes or public spaces, including theatres, trains, and buses, within electrical outlets, in tucks or seams of bedding and mattresses, are just a few examples of areas where bed bugs may be found.

What Are the Signs of Bed Bug Presence?

When travelling, keep your possessions away from the bed and the walls, and keep an eye out for any signs of a bed bug infestation, including dark stains or spots on the mattress. If you need to get rid of an infestation in your house, don't delay bringing in a professional because these pests are notoriously challenging to get rid of, and the treatment must be thorough and prolonged.

Conclusion 

It's crucial to keep in mind that bed bugs might appear anywhere. They are often found in hotels, motels, and apartments. However, they can also come from used furniture, clothing, and even second-hand mattresses. Avoiding bed bugs if you suspect you have them is crucial by contacting an expert bed bug control in Sydney. 

Roach Busters' Pest Control Services has more than 25 years of expertise in the pest control industry and offers various expert services to eliminate all kinds of pests. Our skilled staff, based in Seven Hills, treats anything from termites to bedbugs, cockroaches to spiders, fleas, and more. We also service the entire Sydney region. If you need bed bug control in Sydney, call us at 1800 421 190!