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Bedbugs are a Big Problem

I recently wrote about bedbugs, and I can't help but think that, here in the Philippines, not that many people are aware - or even concerned - about them. A bed bug outbreak is one of the most difficult pest control issues to contain. That’s because these bugs populate at a fast rate, and while they don’t spread diseases like other bugs, they do have some unwanted, nasty side effects. And an outbreak of the bug in highly-populated areas can lead to an infestation that can be very difficult, and costly, to clean up.
It makes sense that bedbugs are most commonly found in places where they feed, that is to say, the beds of their hosts. Bed mattresses are often the most common problem areas, and can be the hardest to clean, especially for bigger beds. They can also be found in other areas connected to the mattress, including bed frames, spring boxes. Couches, rugs, and other similar materials can also potentially become a bed bug nest.
While it’s true that they often infest locations with poor sanitation, it should be noted that bed bugs don’t discriminate on how clean a place is. So long as they can feast on a person’s blood in a location, the bugs can survive and thrive.

The biggest reason for the fast spread of the bed bugs, aside from the fact that they multiply quickly, is the fact that people are more mobile. The bugs can hitch a ride on a person’s clothes, or even their furniture, in one place, and make their way to another with ease. And since sanitation levels are not the same everywhere, the chances of having bed bugs around can be alarmingly high.
Need to know if you’ve got bed bugs? One of the tell-tale signs of the pest is blood stains in your beddings or clothes. These come from the bites they make when they feed, although this isn’t exactly the best indicator. Another sign is the presence of their feces. Bed bugs excrete rust-coloured feces, which stand out against brighter-coloured bedding and clothing.

If you have an infestation that you’d like to take care of, then the easiest way of removing these bugs is by cleaning all the spots that they could possibly be hiding in. Infested beddings and similar items that can be washed should be washed thoroughly with hot water, in order to destroy their presence.

You can clean your mattress by using baking soda, a stiff brush, and a vacuum cleaner - the last one is a must, since you need to suck up all the baking soda, and all of the possible eggs that can be found on your mattress. Alternately, you can also seal your mattresses, pillows, and other infected items with plastic. Bed bugs can survive for a long time without food, however, so you may need to keep the plastic on for a while.
Don’t try to treat your bed bugs problem with pesticides, at least not by yourself. Most of the chemicals that can be used against these pests are also hazardous to human beings, and can cause a wide range of side effects. This is one of the reasons why an infestation may be difficult to contain.

Should your infestation be beyond your abilities to control, it is best to contact a professional exterminator. These people know how to contain the bugs, and have the proper tools and chemicals for removing them. They can also instruct you on what to do after treatment, and how to adjust your lifestyle in order to prevent the resurgence of the bugs.
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