Bugs in Bed But Not Bed Bugs?
For the majority of 2010, the media's coverage of bed bug infestations has created somewhat of a "paranoia" within the general public.
All things considered, it's understandable that a large portion of the U.
S.
population doesn't realize their beds are at risk for a different type of pest infestation- the carpet beetle.
Countless pest control professionals are reporting cases of "mistaken identity".
As the professionals arrive to a site with reported bed bug infestations, they quickly discover that the pest in question is actually the larvae of a carpet beetle.
How common is the misidentification? "About twice as many beetles as bed bugs", says Robert, a branch manager of a large national pest control company, "but those numbers obviously vary from state to state and region to region.
It seems here in the south we see more carpet beetles, while there are less cases of misidentification in the northern states.
Of course, they see a heck of a lot more actual bed bug infestations than we do, so that should be considered as well.
" Why it's so easy to confuse the two? There are two contributing factors for all of the confusion between the two species.
They are as listed as follows:
With pillow cases, bed sheets, and mattresses having a abundance of at least one and possibly all of the sources mentioned, your bed is clearly one of the better locations for these pests to find food.
Perceived Bite Marks: While the larvae doesn't actually bite humans, their hair and tufts can cause allergic reactions to human skin.
This reaction causes an intense itching or rash which can feel and look like bite marks.
Although these common pests are not nearly as feared as bed bugs, carpet beetle infestations should be taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner.
Along with allergic reactions to the skin, many people develop irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes.
All things considered, it's understandable that a large portion of the U.
S.
population doesn't realize their beds are at risk for a different type of pest infestation- the carpet beetle.
Countless pest control professionals are reporting cases of "mistaken identity".
As the professionals arrive to a site with reported bed bug infestations, they quickly discover that the pest in question is actually the larvae of a carpet beetle.
How common is the misidentification? "About twice as many beetles as bed bugs", says Robert, a branch manager of a large national pest control company, "but those numbers obviously vary from state to state and region to region.
It seems here in the south we see more carpet beetles, while there are less cases of misidentification in the northern states.
Of course, they see a heck of a lot more actual bed bug infestations than we do, so that should be considered as well.
" Why it's so easy to confuse the two? There are two contributing factors for all of the confusion between the two species.
They are as listed as follows:
- Location
- Perceived Bite Marks
With pillow cases, bed sheets, and mattresses having a abundance of at least one and possibly all of the sources mentioned, your bed is clearly one of the better locations for these pests to find food.
Perceived Bite Marks: While the larvae doesn't actually bite humans, their hair and tufts can cause allergic reactions to human skin.
This reaction causes an intense itching or rash which can feel and look like bite marks.
Although these common pests are not nearly as feared as bed bugs, carpet beetle infestations should be taken seriously and addressed in a timely manner.
Along with allergic reactions to the skin, many people develop irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes.
