Bed bugs remain among the hardest household pests to fully eradicate. This is because they largely remain out of view, breed fast, and are now immune to a range of chemical treatments. Research has even linked a certain class of insecticides that don’t work on these enduring, resilient pests.
A study published in the Scientific Reports notes that bed bugs are resistant to pyrethroids, primarily because of widespread use; the insecticide is relatively safe for people and pets. This may explain the resurgence of bed bugs across the country. These pests have made a strong comeback from 1980 to 2014, and scientists note their population is rising.
And while some might consider the pests seemingly harmless because they reportedly don’t carry diseases, bed bugs could cause more than red welts and a secondary skin infection. So using the right bed bug removal companies could be crucial to your home’s safety.
The following are some of the long-term impacts of bed bug invasion.
Anaphylactic Reactions
Although research indicates that 30 to 60 percent of people have no reaction to bed bug bites, some cases could lead to more serious effects.
Bed bug bites have been known to cause the flare-up of previously well-controlled allergic reactions. In most cases, the bite induces a mild or severe anaphylactic reaction, which is rare and sensitizes your previously controlled immune system. This re-ignites your hypersensitivity and, in some cases, causes a life-threatening emergency.
Anaphalyxis requires medical care; hives may only be resolved by changing bed sheets and making sure the entire room or house gets bed bug treatment.
Weakened Immune Systems
Bed bug bites are painful, and they could cause insomnia. The disrupted sleep patterns caused by bed bugs would mean insufficient rest. This, in turn, has been shown to contribute to a weakened immune system, which makes your body prone to many illnesses. The weak immunity might also cause the re-emergence of some conditions, which were in remission.
Your plan to have a good night’s rest by driving to the city and checking into a hotel could also leave you at the mercy of bed bugs. These pests are also found in larger buildings, and sometimes they infest even the seemingly spotless establishments. So before you settle in and unpack, check the mattress, headboard, and every nook and cranny of your hotel room. Better yet, ask the concierge to get someone to do it for you. Otherwise, a bed bug might come home with you.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
A high percentage of people who have lived in quarters infested by bed bugs exhibit a range of PTSD symptoms. Depression, paranoia, obsessive thinking, and hypervigilance toward a perceived threat are some of these symptoms. PTSD takes time to treat effectively and will significantly affect the quality of life of the patient.
The above effects can all be averted by professional bed bug extermination. The DIY measures you employ to curb the infestation may only put you at a heightened risk of these long-term effects. As such, you should call an exterminator at the first sign of or if you suspect bed bug infestation in your property.
