Bed Bugs in Somerset KY: the Perfect Parasite!

Bed bugs are commonly known as the “Perfect Parasite” because they heavily depend on their human hosts. If control measures are not taken, infestations can quickly spread through housing, causing major problems. But what makes bed bugs so successful, and why is it nearly impossible to completely eradicate them? Let’s explore the reasons behind the resilience of the perfect parasite!

If you experience bed bugs in Somerset KY, Four Seasons has you covered.

  • Clutter

Many people tend to accumulate a lot of belongings in their homes, even if it’s not visible to others. For instance, they may have closets filled with clothes, drawers filled with papers and personal items, or stored items beneath beds and couches. This clutter doesn’t necessarily mean that the environment is filthy or that the person is a hoarder. It can simply be an organized environment with a lot of “stuff”. However, this “stuff” can be a hiding spot for bed bugs, especially if it’s located close to where people sleep. Additionally, even in the most organized environment, when lots of “stuff” is present, it becomes more difficult to spot the signs of a bed bug infestation.

  • Blood

Bed bugs feed on human blood, which is an abundant and easily replenished food source. Therefore, they can use humans as hosts for extended periods of time without running out of food. This makes humans an ideal long-term food source for bed bugs.

  • Anti-Itch Anesthetic

Bed bugs use an anesthetic and anticoagulant to feed on human blood without causing any disturbance or blood clotting. This may result in people not noticing the bites for several days.

  • Adaptation

Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to adapt to changing conditions. Even if you try to avoid them by changing rooms, sleeping at different times, or wearing more clothes to bed, they can still find you. They will adjust their feeding schedule to match yours and move to wherever you are sleeping. They will feed from any exposed part of your body that they can access. This makes knowing where to look for bed bugs during an inspection, even more important.

  • Dormancy

If bed bugs are unable to feed, they may enter a dormant stage. Adult bed bugs can survive without food for up to a year, while nymph stages can last as long as three months.

  • Human Habitations

Humans tend to socialize and congregate, making us the perfect vehicle for the spread of bed bugs. This is especially true in high-density housing projects.

  • Financial Woe

Bed bug infestations often spread rapidly within a population due to financial constraints faced by many people. However, it’s important to note that poverty is not the cause of bed bugs. In reality, it’s the inability of below-average income families to afford professional pest control services that allows bed bugs to thrive and spread. Oftentimes, the cost of pest control services are not as expensive as you might think, so don’t live with bed bugs just because you “think” you can’t afford treatment.

  • Over-The-Counter Products

It’s hard to believe, but the products available over-the-counter that are marketed to the general public are not effective in eliminating bed bugs. In fact, using OTC products often results in long-term bed bug infestations that are resistant to several insecticides. There are a few reasons for this:

  1. OTC products contain low-quality insecticides
  2. These products are marketed to people who don’t know how to use them properly
  3. Low percentages of active ingredients can lead to control efforts failing
  4. OTC products don’t provide training on how to use them correctly, including application techniques, use rates, and retreat intervals
  5. Consumers often don’t read the instructions

Whatever the reason for the failure of OTC products, one thing is clear: Using them promotes the spread of bed bugs! Besides this, it is also important to note that there are potential health risks associated with the misuse of OTC insecticides, especially DIY bed bug bombs.

  • Lack of Cooperation

When humans hire professional bed bug control and then fail to cooperate in the elimination process, bed bugs just get stronger! Yes, even professional products are no match for insecticide resistance when they are not properly applied. And it’s impossible to properly apply pesticides when the customer refuses or fails to fully prepare for treatment.

  • Sub-Zero and Below-Freezing Resilient

Bed bugs can survive below-freezing temperatures for months and bounce back as soon as the temperatures rise. Even sub-zero temperatures for several weeks are no match for bed bugs. This makes freezing them out nearly impossible. Even abandoned buildings left vacant and without electricity have shown signs of bed bug life when being remolded or torn down.

Eliminating Bed Bugs in Somerset KY

Unfortunately, this “perfect parasite” shows no sign of disappearing on its own. In fact, just the opposite. Regardless of where they come from or when we get them, we can probably expect them to be around as long as humans are, and thrive the entire time. Learning to identify them can help to quickly realize their presence so treatment measures can be made. Taking proactive measures to reduce the spread of bed bugs should be a weight on every human’s shoulders.

If you’re dealing with bed bugs in Somerset KY, or any surrounding areas, you want the best control money can buy, from the best company you could choose, with the strongest warranty in the industry. Isn’t it good to have Four Seasons on your side? If you don’t already know, give us a call and find out!

606-677-2437