Bed bugs have been increasing and making big headlines globally, so much so that an entire industry has spawned from pest management companies to specifically treat bed bug infestations.

Some of these companies produce heating devices and machines specifically designed to kill bed bugs and offer specialized bed bug-resistant luggage, mattress encasement, and pesticides. The bed bug population has even created bed bug advisory boards to warn folks about hotels, motels, and other dwellings and which cities are ravaged by these awful little bugs.

 

A Brief History of Bed Bugs

We know they’re stealthy, creepy, and crawly, and they love to bite. Bed bugs really are way more common than folks like to think. What we know about the history of bed bugs is that they have been around for thousands of years (over 3,000) and date back all the way to ancient Egyptian times.

Initially, they inhabited caves and fed off of bats. Still, when humans began to inhabit caves, they latched on to a new (and preferred) food source.

Bed bug infestations were first recorded in England in the 1500s. They later found their way to the Americas by traveling on ships with European explorers. As civilization grew and people continued to travel and explore, bed bugs found more places to hide and hitch a ride.

By the early 20th century, bed bugs were everywhere, infesting homes, hotels, and other heavily populated dwellings. They were nearly eradicated in developed countries when DDT was first introduced in the 1950s, but by 1972, the EPA had banned the use of DDT because research had shown that it was harmful to humans and animals.

 

Why Bed Bugs Are Back (and in Such a Big Way)

The 1990s saw a resurgence of bed bugs as they began popping up in port cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco. As international travel began to grow, bed bugs began appearing more often in hotels, motels, apartment dwellings, homes, hospitals, and nursing homes, for example.

This surge in travel has led to bed bugs spreading worldwide, reaching epidemic levels in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

With the invention and use of pesticides, infestations have become manageable. However, in recent years, bed bugs have returned with a vengeance because they have developed a mutation to become resistant to most pesticides.
  

What Does Pesticide Resistance Mean for Treatment Against Bed Bugs?

There are more than 300 products registered with the EPA for use against bed bugs. Most of these products can be used by consumers, but a select few are registered for use only by trained professionals.

Because bed bugs have become immune to most pesticides, the EPA requires that any product that claims to kill bed bugs be supported by data showing that it will kill bed bugs when applied according to the label. Although the data may show that pesticides can kill bed bugs, how well pesticides work will depend on other factors.

According to the EPA, not all treatments will work in all situations, so you'll want to carefully weigh all your options. While hiring a professional to treat bed bugs can be pretty costly and beyond the means of most people, many people opt for a DIY solution.

 

All-Natural, Cost-Effective Bed Bug Killer

Fortunately, a safe, cost-effective, eco-friendly, natural plant-based treatment has been proven to kill bed bugs.

Bed Bug Patrol Bed Bug Killer not only works, but it is also safe to use around pets and children. It contains natural essential oils that kill bed bugs on contact within 30 minutes to 24 hours. Unlike many pesticides on the market, bed bugs are not resistant to Bed Bug Patrol Bed Bug Killer.

 

Our natural, plant-based Bed Bug Patrol Killer Spray provides an all-natural solution to infestations of bed bugs, as well as fleas, spiders, and other common indoor bugs. Our 100% natural solution is made in the USA. It relies on the power of natural ingredients like citric acid, clove oil, and peppermint oil to naturally deter these bugs from living in your furnishings and upholstery. Just spray our solution on affected surfaces twice per day, and it will get to work on exterminating your bed bugs and preventing their return. To keep you safe from bed bugs on your travels, arm yourself with our Bed Bug Blasting Travel Spray, which comes in a handy, TSA-approved travel-size bottle for your convenience.