Little, bloodsucking insects known as bed bugs can infest homes, hotels, and other sleeping areas. They can cause itching, allergic reactions, and psychological discomfort in their victims, and they are famously difficult to eradicate.
Kentucky is one of the states with the highest incidence of bed bug infestations in the United States, according to a recent study by the pest management business Orkin. Based on the quantity of bed bug treatments Orkin completed between December 2019 and November 2020, the report rated 50 cities. Three Kentucky cities—Bowling Green (19th), Lexington (10th), and Louisville (15th)—made it into the top 20.
Why Kentucky?
There are a number of possible explanations for Kentucky’s high bed bug incidence. One of them is the weather, which is moderate and humid, making it perfect for bed bugs to flourish. The state’s high rates of homelessness and poverty are additional factors that may restrict access to services like pest control and adequate sanitation. The state’s high level of travel and tourism, particularly to well-known locations like the Mammoth Cave National Park, the Bourbon Trail, and the Kentucky Derby, is a third influence. It’s possible for visitors to unintentionally carry bed bugs from contaminated areas or to pick them up from lodging establishments like motels and Airbnb rentals.
Ways to Avoid and Handle Bed Bug Infestations
The best defense against bed bug infestations is to exercise extreme caution and vigilance when visiting or lodging somewhere new. Among the advice to keep bed bugs out of your house are:
- Look for any indications of bed bugs, such as live or dead bugs, eggs, fecal stains, or blood spots, on the bed, mattress, sheets, pillows, and furniture.
- Use plastic bags or covers to enclose your baggage and personal items, and keep them off the floor and away from the bed.
- Never move used clothing, bedding, or furniture into your house without giving it a full inspection and cleaning.
- After a trip, wash and dry your bedding and clothes on high heat.
You should get in touch with a reputable pest control company right once if you think your house is infested with bed bugs. Avoid attempting to cure the issue on your own using over-the-counter remedies since they might not work or perhaps be dangerous. An expert pest control firm can determine how bad the infestation is, apply the right treatment, and track the outcomes.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Feeding
Depending on the temperature and humidity of their habitat, bed bugs can go for several months without eating. Bed bugs can survive for up to 70 days at ambient temperature without feeding, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They may, however, last up to a year without a blood meal in the right circumstances. Bed bugs are tenacious pests that can endure in a range of settings, so it’s critical to take precautions against infestations and to deal with them as soon as they do arise.
How Do I Know If My Bites Are From Bed Bugs?
Bed bug bites usually seem like red, swollen dots with a dark red core, but they can be hard to tell apart from other insect bites. They frequently come with itching and might be grouped or lined up. It’s crucial to remember, too, that 30–60% of people never experience any kind of reaction from bed bug bites. Examine your bedding and furniture for indications of bed bugs, such as dark spots, empty exoskeletons, or rusty or reddish stains, if you think you may have bed bug bites. It’s essential to get in touch with a healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe, new, or ongoing.
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Conclusion
In Kentucky, bed bugs are a severe and expanding issue that affects three large cities and possibly many more. They are not only an annoyance but also a stressor and a health risk. It is crucial to use caution, awareness, and initiative in order to avoid and treat bed bug infestations. You can keep your family and yourself safe from these unpleasant pests by heeding the advice and ideas in this article.