Why Does Bed Bugs Exist?
WouterIf you’re wondering, “Why does bedbugs exist?” then you’re not alone. It used to be that bedbugs were something of a novelty in the developed world, but now they’re a common problem, particularly in Europe. In the early 2000s, the number of reported infestations has increased. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bedbugs are now the most common type of pest found in homes.
These bugs can hide in many places, including cracks, seams, and piping near your mattress. They are also likely to hide in furniture such as headboards and bed frames. Other places to look include loose wall paper, the edges of wall-to-wall carpeting, and the folds of curtains. Sometimes, they can even hide inside the bindings of books.
Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to keep bedbugs at bay. Cleaning your bedding often in a hot dryer and removing any items that have been heavily infested can be an effective way to get rid of bedbugs. Also, you can purchase boxspring and mattress covers that can be used to protect furniture. You can also use duct tape to seal cracks or openings in your furniture.
Before World War II, Americans thought they had conquered bedbugs for good. Thankfully, a new pesticide named DDT was discovered by Swiss chemist Paul Hermann Muller, which proved highly effective in killing the pests and kept America bedbug-free for decades.
