Bed Bugs

After reading an article on the recent explosion of bed bugs in new york city, I thought they would be an interesting invasive species to write a blog about. The bugs, known scientifically as Cimex lectularius, are small pests that feed on typically human victims at night. it was reported that during 2009, there were a recorded 33,772 bed bug related incidents, which was a 54% increase from the previous year. Also, it was reported that 6.7% of people in new york city reported having to deal with bed bugs within the last year. I find them to be a very interesting invasive species because there is no sure way to get rid of them. However, there are many ways of trying to prevent them from infesting your household. For example:
-Wash all bedding regularly in hot water. The water should be at least 120 degrees.
-Vacuum floors regularly. Use the brush tool of your vacuum to vacuum your mattress.
-Use the crevice tool to vacuum crevices in the mattress and your baseboards.
-Use a plastic cover over your mattress. Bedbugs can't hide on the plastic cover.
-If you purchase used furniture, examine it for bed bugs. Pay special attention to used mattresses and bed frames.
-Check your own bed for bedbugs from time to time. Catching them early will make bedbug treatment easier if bedbugs do occur.

Many of these prevention products are becoming more easily available on the market. Also, there are new organic sprays to help get rid of them as well, which is better for the environment than a synthetic spray or pesticide.