Bed Bugs

If you’ve ever faced an encounter with those pesky little bugs that can lead to sleepless nights and scratching, just hearing their name might give you a chill. Bed bugs have been around for approximately 115 million years and today, there are about 90 different species. Among them, three are known to feed on humans.

The fascinating history of bed bugs tells us that they were first documented in Greek writings from around 400 B.C. They also appeared in Roman literature around 77 A.D. and were referenced in 11th and 13th-century texts from Germany and France. Interestingly, even though bed bugs were mentioned in England in 1583, they didn’t become common there until about 1670.

Throughout the ages, different cultures have crafted their own inventive methods for tackling these little nuisances, utilizing resources such as plants, fungi, smoke, and extracts from insects. Remarkably, bed bugs were even used for medicinal purposes until the 29th century! It's a common misconception that bed bug infestations are a sign of poor hygiene; in fact, you can inadvertently invite them into your home from a variety of places—movie theaters, airplanes, library chairs, and hotels, to name a few.

These determined bloodsuckers can be quite the challenge to eliminate. If you spend time in areas known for infestations, being proactive can help; always check your shoes, clothes, and luggage when leaving. Quickly decontaminating your belongings is also a smart step to take. Bed bug bites can manifest in different ways, ranging from small bumps to more pronounced welts, depending on your individual sensitivity. While they can resemble mosquito bites, finding small blood spots or fecal marks on your bedding provides clearer evidence of their presence.

To check your furniture for bed bugs, gently peel back all blankets and sheets, inspecting the seams of pillows and mattresses closely. Since these critters are usually just a few millimeters long and their eggs can be nearly invisible, a magnifying glass can prove to be a helpful tool. If you do discover these unwelcome guests, it’s vital to act swiftly to eliminate them or to get rid of any infested furniture. Remember, bed bugs can consume up to seven times their body weight in a single feeding, and they can survive between 20 to 400 days without a meal—a reminder that they’ll happily consider you their main feast!

In a compelling initiative to enhance our understanding of these insects and create a pheromone-based trap, biologist Regine Gries has magnanimously endured over 20,000-bed bug bites. 

For prompt and effective bed bug removal, count on New Science Pest Management! If you notice any signs of an infestation, reach out to us right away. Bed bugs' impact can extend beyond physical discomfort; they can lead to mental health challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, worsening existing conditions.

Serving Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas, New Science Pest Management is dedicated to being your go-to choice for pest control solutions. We tackle bed bugs, rodents, and various other insect issues. As a licensed, family-owned business, we stand by our guaranteed work. Give us a call today at (405) 534-4344 for a free estimate or to learn more about how we can help you!