Are Bed Bug Infestations Common in 2021?

If you’ve had a bed bug problem before, you were likely left wondering where they came from in the first place. Unfortunately, bed bug problems have been on the rise for homeowners and business owners alike for a couple of decades now—not just here in Tennessee but nationwide. Believe it or not, there was a span of nearly 60 years when bed bugs weren’t a problem for homeowners whatsoever. Nowadays, bed bug infestations are on the rise not only in homes and apartments but also in daycare centers, schools, hotels, and just about any other place where people live and work. In fact, bed bugs account for a good percentage of the calls that pest control companies receive. So what’s to blame for the resurgence of these pests? The experts at Leo’s Pest Control are here to share their insights.

The History of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have been a problem for humans for a very long time. In the past, before modern technology and science got involved, bed bugs were just something people had to live with. But when pesticides such as DDT and Chlordane came along around the time of WW2, bed bugs and just about any other bug or spider finally met their match. These, and other similar pesticides, were extremely toxic and highly effective in controlling pests.

For a few decades, people got a break from all those biting, irritating little creatures but as these chemicals became more widespread, they also became the subject of a lot of research. Turns out that the very thing that made them great for killing bugs made them horrible for people’s health. By the early 70s, enough research had been done to prompt the United States to ban DDT in 1972 and eventually Chlordane in 1988. This was the beginning of a resurgence in pests of all kinds but it also led to safer, healthier pest control methods. Unfortunately, safe pesticides were no match for bed bugs.

The Spread of Bed Bugs

As pesticides became less toxic, and often less effective, travel both across the United States and abroad experienced a boom. Bed bugs like to travel by hitching a ride in pocketbooks, pant cuffs, suitcases, furniture, and just about anything else they could find to get them to their next destination. With travel becoming more common and people frequently sleeping in hotels, motels, and other places, bed bugs found an easy way to spread their numbers and are now found all over the world.

Bed bugs reproduce rapidly, easily move from one location to the next, and are elusive and nocturnal, making the problem of getting rid of them pretty complicated. It takes an experienced exterminator to completely get things under control and often means a range of treatments depending on the size of the infestation and the type of building or residence.

How to Stop Bed Bugs in Bristol TN

The fact of the matter is that bed bug problems are here to stay—for now. However, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer from an infestation. When you team up with a professional bed bug control company such as Leo’s Pest Control, you can rest assured our team will keep you safe from the dangers of bed bugs year-round. To learn more or get started, contact us today!