Bed bugs are now becoming a problem to people as their spread increases. In the developed countries, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of bed bugs in the years between 1930s and 1980s. However, since 1990s, and bugs have resurfaced in these areas.
The bed bugs where reduced in the developed world by use of the DDT chemical substances, which was said to be very effective but also lethal. It was banned due to its toxicity and environmental impacts. The recent patterns of an increase in bed bugs in the western world has been said to occur from increased international travel, use of less effective chemical substances in killing the bed bugs as well as resistance to the pesticides and insecticides.
Pyrethoid insecticides have been used over the years and it has been an effective substance. However, today, this insecticide is less effective because the bed bugs have developed resistance. This implies that there is a great need to continue doing research on an effective substance, which can be used in eradicating bed bugs. These parasitic insects can be prevented by using insecticides and eliminating the hiding places. Permethrin is an effective insecticide while diethyltoluamide is a good repellent substance.
The permethrin can be sprayed on cloths and hiding places including clutter area, wallpapers, cupboards and peeled paint areas. You can also combine these two substances for instance, by using cloths, which are treated with permethrin and diethyltoluamide. You can also use bedposts of bedbug-free beds inserted into containers with paraffin oil. This ensures that the bugs do not reach the bed where you are sleeping. Baited taps are also used in eliminating bed bugs. The tapes are wrapped around the bed legs where the bed bugs may be trapped as they try to reach for the host.
It should be noted that bed bugs can climb other objects and fall down on the bed when they realize that there are barriers in reaching the bed. Bed nets are ideal in preventing the bed bugs and especially when they are treated with chemical substances such as permethrin and diethyltoluamide. Pyrethrum can be used in treating nets and this is recommended for beddings of children since the other substances including permethrin and diethyltoluamide may cause some health problems to children when applied in high concentrations.
Cleanliness is very essential in preventing the bed bugs. You need to maintain a high level of cleanliness all the time. The bed cloths should be washed and treated with chemicals such as permethrin and diethyltoluamide. Moreover, structural roofing can also be used in preventing the bed bugs from gaining access to the house and beds. Other insecticides used are such as malathion.
In a nutshell, there are many insecticides and pesticides used in preventing, killing and repelling bed bugs and you should check for the most effective substances in the market. With the increasing infestations on humans, it’s imperative to follow all the tips for preventing bed bugs in order to control the infestations from these insects. Bed bugs have become a major problem for instance, in hotels you can pick up the parasite through your clothes and briefcases and carry them through to your home.