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Bed bugs have been
associated with man since the beginning of civilization. Bed bugs
and their relatives form a rather small group (70+) of bloodsucking
ectoparasites. Hosts, in addition to humans and domesticated
animals, include bats and birds. Bed Bugs are strongly flattened
bugs, often reddish brown, with forewings reduced to mere pads.
The hind wings are absent.
It is believed the
bed bug originally was associated with bats living in tree holes and in
caves of the Middle East. It was in caves that these parasites
became associated with man. As man moved from cave to village the
bed bug followed and became permanent associates.
This democratic
creature draws no line between the impoverished or the wealthy, but its
presence is more evident in poorer quarters owing to conditions more
favorable for its survival. Nevertheless, these bugs can invade
event the most immaculate homes.
The bed bug is
distributed readily in laundry and on clothes and baggage of individuals
who have visited infested premises. This pest is disseminated
primarily from one hose or apartment or another by stowing away in
furniture and bedding that has been moved, or by attaching itself to
articles placed in an infested moving van. Second-hand furniture,
old books and lumber salvage from demolished houses offer other means of
ingress. |
