Bedbugs' Itch Breeding New Ways to Scratch

Freeze 'em, bake 'em, call in the dogs—pests can't bite if they're dead

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2008 2:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – No one’s sure why bedbugs are back, but US companies think they know how to kill them, the Wall Street Journal reports. Startups are using everything from dogs to cold blasts to hair-dryer-like devices to sniff out, freeze or bake the pests. “We don’t have an easy method of elimination,” said one entomologist. “We are looking for the silver bullet.”

Bedbugs aren’t just nursery-rhyme holdovers. They’re real insects that feed on human skin, leaving behind itching welts. “It was very stressful,” said one bedbug victim. “The idea that there were I don't how many bugs on me while I was sleeping completely grossed me out.” Researchers are even trying to create a trap that mimics a sleeping human.

The bedbug is seen in this CDC released photo. (Public Domain)

Bedbugs cluster in this undated file photograph. (Wikimedia Commons)

In this undated photo released July 24, 2001, by the University of Florida, a common bedbug is engorged with blood after feeding on a human. (AP Photo/University of Florida, File)

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Bedbugs' Itch Breeding New Ways to Scratch

Freeze 'em, bake 'em, call in the dogs—pests can't bite if they're dead

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bedbugs • entomology • University of Minnesota • pests • exterminators • Cimex lectularius • Steven Jacobs • Penn State University

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Experts Swarm Bedbug Summit

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... helping people clean apartments before extermination

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'Elle' magazine HQ closed until Monday due to infestation

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Times Square theater temporarily shuttered

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Bedbugs' Itch Breeding New Ways to Scratch

Freeze 'em, bake 'em, call in the dogs—pests can't bite if they're dead

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

bedbugs • entomology • University of Minnesota • pests • exterminators • Cimex lectularius • Steven Jacobs • Penn State University

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Experts Swarm Bedbug Summit

Leaders in battle against bloodsuckers meet in Chicago

Bedbug Dogs Sniff Out Bloodsuckers

Trained hounds in high demand as infestations rise

Bedbug Mess Brings Work to NYC Actors

... helping people clean apartments before extermination

Bedbugs Invade Our Offices

'Elle' magazine HQ closed until Monday due to infestation

Bedbugs Invade NYC Cinemas

Times Square theater temporarily shuttered

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?