BEDBUGS
For those who think that bed bugs belong to developing
countries are wrong. Bed bugs are on the rebound in developed countries
breeding fast like sent curses from nowhere. From long time to now, bed bugs
are known to be controlled with pesticides. But the unfolded development of
pesticide resistance has led to a need for alternative control methods because
of their increased surging to infest fast unstopped.
Bed bugs are the most annoying and the creepiest pest alive in a house. So, bedbugs extermination process will be done using some effective strategic approach. These are the deadly insects which are mostly hidden under the bed or inside the bed sheet or couch. Their food is our blood. Yes, they suck human blood and can stay alive for a few days. As they do not move often, so mostly they can be found during the night. If not treated within time, then their infestation can lead to serious health hazards. Professional approach to remove bedbugs from your house is the smartest approach as home remedies don’t show effective results. Dealing with these creepy pests can be very dangerous if not treated correctly. Their reappearance is very obvious if one doesn’t take necessary expertise help.
Bed bugs are the most annoying and the creepiest pest alive in a house. So, bedbugs extermination process will be done using some effective strategic approach. These are the deadly insects which are mostly hidden under the bed or inside the bed sheet or couch. Their food is our blood. Yes, they suck human blood and can stay alive for a few days. As they do not move often, so mostly they can be found during the night. If not treated within time, then their infestation can lead to serious health hazards. Professional approach to remove bedbugs from your house is the smartest approach as home remedies don’t show effective results. Dealing with these creepy pests can be very dangerous if not treated correctly. Their reappearance is very obvious if one doesn’t take necessary expertise help.
The mere mention of these
critters sends shivers down my spine and can bring immediate itchiness to
anyone aware of these pests and their elusive nature. Bed bugs are small,
parasitic insects that tend to take up habitation in—you guessed it the beds of
us poor, unsuspecting humans, then feed on our blood when we sleep. They are in
the news frequently and may have even sprung up in your area. Perhaps you have
encountered bed bugs in your home or in your travels. This has been an epidemic
for several years, but when a person is struggling with an infestation it is
rarely talked about.
Unfortunately, bed bugs carry
with them a certain stigma. There is a misguided perception they exist only in
homes or dwellings that are not clean. Also, people may be “bugged out” when
they find out someone has a bed bug issue. Perhaps they have read how easily
they are transmitted from one person or place to another and want as much
distance between them and the other person/place as possible.
At least that’s what many people
with bed bugs fear and what can keep them from turning to others for emotional
support.
On top of the sense of isolation people
may experience because of bed bugs, they must contend with the simple knowledge
that in their own sanctuary, the place they call home, they have been invaded
by a near-invisible parasite that feeds on you in your most vulnerable state.
Ohh! If your skin is crawling just reading this, welcome to the experience of a
person living with bed bugs.
Bed
bugs may have invaded your space, but they do not need to take up all the space
in your head!
Not only is treating a bed bug
infestation costly both socially and financially, it can take a serious toll on
mental health. I have worked with countless individuals dealing with these
pests. I have also had my own bed bug scares, nearly sending me off the deep
end. What I learned from others’ experiences and my own is that these bugs
don’t simply impact our physical environment; perhaps worse, they invade our
minds and can lead to an experience of extreme stress and isolation.
Perusing the internet on the
topic of bed bugs could bring any person to a panic whether they are struggling
with the issue or not. My goal with this article is to provide anyone dealing
with an infestation with some tips and tools to help them calm down and
emotionally cope with their unexpected visitors. Bed bugs may have invaded your
space, but they do not need to take up all the space in your head!
How to emotionally cope with bed
bugs in eight steps:
First,
know you are not alone. A simple walk
around my neighborhood in Philadelphia showcases countless mattresses thrown
outside in what may mark a first panicked attempt at getting rid of bed bugs. A
simple internet search on bed bugs yields thousands of results, indicating this
problem is being experienced by way more people than just you. You may feel
like a social pariah when dealing with bed bugs, but the truth is, due to the
stigma and secrecy associated with bed bugs, you never know who else is dealing
with them. Take refuge in the simple knowledge you are not the only one suffering
the insufferable.
Use
some positive self-talk. Say to
yourself, “I am a separate person from this problem. This is simply just a
problem I am coping with, and it is not my entire life, nor does it represent
who I am.” Think about all your positive roles and qualities. Parent, teacher,
kind person, clean person—whatever makes up who you are, remind yourself of
these things and that you are not just a person who has bed bugs. Each time the
thoughts creep back in regarding the bugs, actively change your thoughts. It is
not worth it to obsess about them; all you can do is proactively try to take
care of the problem, and otherwise try to give your mind a break.
Get
outside. If the weather permits, do
yourself a huge emotional favor and go for a walk. Sit under a tree. Bring a
book. Nature has the power to heal us and bring us back to our sanity. In this
case, it also gets you out of your hellhole of a home! Remember, you do not
deserve the stress of these bugs. You deserve a break from the environment they
have invaded, as well as a mental and emotional break.
Remember
that bed bugs are not really any different than other types of bugs. Think of them as less dangerous mosquitoes. Unlike
mosquitoes, beg bugs are not known to be vectors of disease. Yes, they are gross.
No, they can’t kill you.
Use
deep breathing. Breathe in, breathe out
… slowly. Count your breaths as you focus on the sensation of breathing in and
out. What does it feel like as the breath enters your nose, travels down to
your lungs, and then begins to release? See, you already forgot about the bugs.
Deep breathing is a form of meditation that helps us focus on the
experience of the body rather than the constant thoughts roaming around our
heads. Give yourself a moment to stop thinking about the bugs and to relax your
nervous system.
Get
some exercise. Exercise has the power
to not only increase your endorphins, feel-good chemicals in the brain, but it
can get your mind off the problem. Exercise IN your home. Take back YOUR
territory while pumping iron and gaining a sense of power and control. If you
can’t stomach the thought of spending another moment near the source of the
infestation, go to the gym or exercise outside. Special note: Yoga is wonderful
for stress and can help you be kind to yourself during this terrible time.
Tell
someone! Don’t keep this to yourself.
Yes, it can feel intimidating telling someone about an issue you might feel embarrassed about,
but the relief of bringing someone into the experience of this issue can be a
huge help and can take away the sense of isolation often incurred when someone
has bed bugs. Tell a few people if you can, and make sure they know you don’t
want this information passed around. Ask for a hug, if you feel so inclined;
physical touch can be comforting.
Lastly,
do everything in your power to get rid of the bugs. Call an exterminator and follow all advice they give. The
bugs CAN be beat and you WILL conquer them. Don’t allow the bugs to make you
feel incapable and powerless—you are not.
In the end, you will get rid of
the bugs. For now, the true goal is maintaining sanity and not allowing the
bugs to wreak havoc on both your emotional and physical health. As with many
other challenges we face, the worry is the worst part.
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