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The number of reported cases of bed bugs in schools, cruise ships, dormitories, hotels, motels, shelters, homes, movie houses and apartments are rising. And the authorities are somehow already concerned and alarmed over the issue.
In the United States alone, it is reported that 6 out of 10 apartments have bed bugs. However, because bed bugs are not known to transfer or spread out any form of disease, the alarm is somehow flamed down.
Origins
Bed bugs are very small, wingless creatures that are scientifically labeled Cimex lectularius. They are so tiny that you can hardly look at them with your bare eye.
Bed bugs are known as organisms that come from the world of insects. There are millions of species of insects, both small and large, and it is a wonder how each has its own noteworthy characteristics and attribute.
In the United States, pest control authorities claim and statistics show that bed bugs ceased to exist after the World War II in the 1940s. Before the World War, cases of bed bugs were so rampant, but people’s cooperation and breakthroughs in controlling pests helped control bed bug infestation post war.
So people might be inquiring, if the bed bugs did not exist in the country during that time, where do our modern bed bugs come from?
That’s a good and a logical question. Theories have it that modern-day bed bugs might have come from Africa, Asia, or Europe. If bed bugs can only crawl, they are so small and with only one-year lifespan, how did they cross borders?
Because bed bugs can thrive in clothes, furniture and baggages, it is believed that American travelers during the time have contributed to the current spread of the pests.
A number of travelers might have traveled to one country and stayed in a hotel that was unknowingly infested with bed bugs. The bed bugs might have figured out means to get inside the luggages and voila! Would you believe, they have traveled across borders!
When the unsuspecting traveler unpacked her or his baggage, that is the time the bed bugs might have come out and spread out.
Races
Bed bugs can come from a lot of different countries. It is somehow amusing that like human beings, bed bugs also seem to have races.
American bugs are normally pale compared to counterparts in Africa, where bed bugs are usually colored deep brown.
Don’t apply racial discrimination though, in tracing where bed bugs originated.
Vampires
There is a myth that bed bugs are undeveloped grandchildren of the creepy vampires. What an amusing and funny myth!
The idea might have come from the fact that bed bugs, like Dracula and all other vampire characters we know, suck blood for nourishment.
When they do that, their appearances are also somehow altered. Hence, newly fed bed bugs will appear reddish or dark-red in color. Some bed bugs look like they have black mass inside their stomach.
So, if the idea is just a stupid myth, where do bed bugs really come from?
Where do bed bugs originated?
The question where do bed bugs come from is similar to the question where do people come from. Questions on origins do solicit and prompt strong arguments between science and religion.
Science always have means in determining and finding out where organisms come from. However, in the bed bugs’ case, you know that the subject does not evoke a particular need for an answer.
There are much more better and more relevant topics that deserve more attention than tracing down or determining where bed bugs come from.
One of those concerns, though still related to bed bugs, is how to eliminate or control them. Bed bugs might come from Antarctica, Alaska or Samoa. By the way, who will care where bed bugs are coming from?
The more important issue to consider is how to effectively limit their spread. You know that use of insecticides and pesticides is one sure option, but you may wonder and think back how safe they are to you, your family and even your neighbors.
The next time you see another bed bug crawling in your bed, isn’t it more appropriate if you ask yourself, “How can I kill this pest”, instead of “Where do bed bugs come from?”
Tagged with: bed bugs control • pests control
Filed under: Bed Bugs