Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that consume human blood. They do not spread illnesses, but they can induce allergic responses, skin infections, and psychological anguish. Bed bugs are also famously difficult to eradicate since they can hide in cracks and crevices, withstand many chemicals, and live for months without eating.
According to a recent assessment by Orkin, a pest management business, Lowa has one of the highest bed bug infestations in the country. The research rated the top 50 cities in the United States based on the amount of bed bug treatments conducted by Orkin between January and December 2023. Three Lowa cities made the list: Des Moines (25th), Cedar Rapids (38th), and Davenport (40th).
Why Are Bed Bugs So Prevalent in Lowa?
Several factors may contribute to Lowa’s large bed bug population. One of them is increasing travel and mobility for individuals both inside and outside of the state. Bed bugs may get on baggage, clothing, furniture, and other goods and spread from one location to another. Lowa is a popular location for visitors, business travelers, and students, who may unintentionally carry bed bugs with them or bring them back home.
Another cause is a lack of bed bug knowledge and education among both the general population and experts. Many people may not identify the signs and symptoms of bed bug infestations, or they may mistake them for other pests or skin diseases. Some people may be hesitant or ashamed to report or seek treatment for bed insect infestations owing to the stigma and assumption that bed bugs are connected with poor hygiene or low money.
Read more: New Mexico is Crawling With Bed Bugs, 3 Cities Among Most Infested
Furthermore, certain landlords, hotel managers, and health inspectors may lack the necessary training or equipment to deal with bed bug infestations, or they may not adhere to best practices and recommendations for prevention and management.
A third reason is the difficulty of effective bed bug treatment and eradication. Bed bugs are resilient and versatile, and they have evolved resistance to a variety of conventional pesticides. They can also live in a variety of climates and habitats, going without food for up to a year.
As a result, bed bug treatments necessitate a thorough and integrated approach that employs a variety of tactics, including heat, steam, cleaning, encasements, traps, and insecticides. Bed bug treatments also involve collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders, including inhabitants, property owners, pest control operators, and public health officials.
How to Prevent and Treat Bed Bug Infestations
The easiest method to deal with bed bugs is to keep them from infesting in the first place. Here are some strategies to avoid bedbugs:
- When traveling, check your hotel room for evidence of bed bugs, such as live or dead bugs, blood stains, fecal marks, or shed skin. Inspect the mattress, box spring, headboard, furnishings, and baggage racks. If you discover indications of bed bugs, seek a different room or hotel.
When you return from a trip, check your baggage and possessions for bed bugs, then wash and dry your garments in the highest heat setting. Keep your baggage away from your bedroom, ideally in a sealed plastic bag or container.
Also read: Pennsylvania is Crawling With Bed Bugs; Three Cities Are Among the Worst Infested
- When purchasing or renting furniture, clothing, or other goods, examine them for bed bugs. Avoid bringing home anything that is infested or shows indications of bed bugs. If feasible, use heat, steam, or insecticides to prepare the materials for use.
- If you live in a multi-unit building, such as an apartment, dormitory, or hotel, seal any gaps and crevices in the walls, floors, and furniture where bed bugs might hide or move. Get rid of any clutter or useless stuff, and vacuum your floors and furnishings periodically. Report any bed bug sightings or bites to your landlord, management, or health agency, and participate in any inspections or treatment processes.
If you suspect or confirm that you have a bed insect infestation, do not panic or attempt to resolve the situation on your own. Bed bug treatments are difficult and need professional assistance. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Contact a professional and reliable pest control firm that specializes in bed bug management. Inquire about their procedures, charges, and guarantees, and follow their advice and suggestions.
- Prepare your house for the treatment by removing or bagging any objects that may interfere with the process, such as bedding, clothing, curtains, toys, books, gadgets, and so on. Wash and dry these things on high heat, then keep them in sealed plastic bags or containers until the treatment is complete. Do not transfer any goods from the affected area to the uninfested region since this might spread the bed bugs.
- After treatment, check for evidence of bed bugs or bites, or use traps or monitors to identify bed bug activity. If you still find bed bugs or have bites, call a pest control professional for a follow-up treatment. Bed bug treatments may require many visits and weeks to achieve total removal.
- To avoid re-infestation, continue to examine your house and possessions for bed bugs and follow the preventative recommendations listed above. Educate yourself and others about bed bugs, and share your experiences and information with family, friends, neighbors, and the community.
Also read: Vermont is Crawling With Bed Bugs; Three Cities Are Among the Worst Infested
Bed bugs are a severe and developing issue in Lowa and around the country. Bed bugs, on the other hand, may be managed and eliminated by increased awareness, education, prevention, and treatment. Working together, we can prevent the spread of these blood-sucking parasites while also protecting our health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Orkin’s evaluation shows that the incidence of bed bugs in Lowa is driven by variables such as increased travel, a lack of knowledge, and treatment issues. Preventive measures, such as comprehensive inspections during travel and strict hygiene standards, along with expert assistance, can help to alleviate the problem. Increased awareness, education, and collaboration are critical for successful bed bug management in Lowa and across the country.