Coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID-19, has caused immeasurable disruption this year. Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be a nightmare. The idea of dealing with both is too much for some people to handle. At Arrow Exterminating, we are experts at dealing with bed bugs and want you to know the facts about these pesky home invaders.
Do Bed Bugs Spread Coronavirus?
Since COVID-19 has been such a confusing disease and so easily spread, fear that insects could infect people (either by bites or contamination) is understandable. One piece of good news this year is that no evidence exists so far that bed bugs spread coronavirus/COVID-19.
However, transmission by animals has been documented, so the idea that bed bugs could transmit coronavirus isn’t an unfounded concern. The CDC cites research that documents COVID-19 transmission to cats and dogs as one example, and it’s believed that the disease might have started in bats.
Even though bed bugs do not seem to spread coronavirus, caution is still required. They can transmit bacteria and the physical bites they cause could become infected if not careful.
Do Bed Bugs Spread Disease?
Less research has been done on the topic of bed bugs spreading disease than has been done on tick and mosquito transmission of diseases. In fact, mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest creatures on the planet because of the fatalities from malaria and other diseases they can transmit.
However, bed bugs are suspected of transmitting more than 40 microorganisms. These infectious agents are considered strong candidates for disease transmission by bed bugs even though more work needs to be done to prove a connection between bed bugs and individual diseases.
Are Bed Bugs Infestations Declining?
Actually, no. Bed bug infestations have been increasing, not decreasing. Bed bug infestations were common in North America from the 17th century through World War II. After the war, pesticides that affected bed bugs came into common use – curtailing their populations and spread.
The modern increase in bed bugs comes from the convergence of various factors. First, concerns about certain specific pesticides led to decreased use in general (even of those not on the caution list). Second, cheap airfares meant more travel to parts of the world where bed bugs had never been contained. This allowed bed bugs to hitch a ride with travelers. Lastly, decades of minimal bed bug infestations caused people to become lax about spotting and curtailing the spread of these pests.
Arrow Banishes Bed Bugs For Good
Bed bug infestations are difficult to treat. If you think you might have been exposed to bed bugs, talk to the experts at Arrow Exterminating about confirming the exposure and how to treat it. For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact Arrow Exterminating today.
