We are willing to bet we could say two little words that would make your skin crawl. Ready? Bed Bugs! The mere thought of these parasites make the average person itch and want to burn everything they own. If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to have an encounter with a bed bug, chances are you’ve been scarred for life. If you are one of the lucky ones who’ve been fortunate enough to dodge that bullet, thank your lucky stars! These parasites are about the size of an apple seed when full grown. They have flat little bodies and are brownish in color. Unless of course they just scored a free meal of our blood, then their bodies swell and turn a reddish-brown color. These pests hitch a ride into our homes on our luggage, clothing or even used furniture we may have acquired. They feed solely on blood, so finding their presence in our homes doesn’t necessarily indicate a dirty home. They are found in even the most immaculate of homes and hotel rooms. Unlike ants or bees, bed bugs do not live in nests but prefer to live in groups while hiding in tight spaces, making mattresses, box springs, headboards or couches ideal living environments for them. They like to stay as close to humans as possible so when we fall asleep they can have a free meal.
Bed Bug Histamine Pheromones
Recent studies have shown that there is no real danger in being bitten by bed bugs as they do not carry dangerous pathogens such as HIV or Hepatitis B. This makes their bites a nuisance only. The real danger comes from their feces. Bed bugs defecate an organic compound pheromone called histamine. Histamine is not always dangerous as it is produced in small amounts in the human body as a response to pathogens, allergens, or to repair damaged cells. However, the effects of histamine made in the human body and the effects of histamine spread by bed bugs are two different demons. Research is still being conducted in various Universities to gain a better knowledge on the matter. What we do know is that clinical tests have shown that histamine exposure can aggravate our immune systems, causing respiratory issues especially for those who suffer from asthma or COPD. Bed bug feces are left behind and mix in with the dust that has settled into our homes, As we walk around stirring up that dust we then breathe it in and it can trigger allergic reactions and other respiratory issues. These dangers can lurk long after the infestation has been eradicated. It is of utmost importance that if you suspect you’ve seen a bed bug in your home to call A Five Star Termite & Pest Control as soon as possible!
Bed Bug Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
Scientists at the University of North Carolina conducted a study at several apartment complexes to test histamine levels in various apartment units that were known to have had bed bug problems in the past. The levels of histamine were 20x higher in the apartments that had experienced a bed bug infestation just three months prior as opposed to apartments that were rendered bed bug free for three years or more. This research suggests that even after an infestation has been exterminated, the effects can linger for months or even years. Prevention, and early intervention is paramount when it comes to bed bugs. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control employees are specially trained in visual bed bug inspections and effective treatments using special chemical compounds to rid your home of bed bugs and get you back to living a normal life.
