Bed bugs are well known as irritating pests that cause red, itchy welts on humans once they’ve been the feeding buffet for these bloodthirsty bugs.

Bed bugs have had a reputation of not being a disease-carrying pest and don’t pose life threatening health issues to humans. However, recent research is finding this may not be the case.

New Findings

Researchers at New Mexico State University have been investigating whether bed bugs can carry the protozoan known as Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi) that results in Chagas disease.

In a report published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, lab experiments proved that not only could bed bugs host the protozoan, but the T.cruzi was able to survive even after a bed bug went through its molting process.

What made this even more interesting is that nymphs go through the molting process five times before becoming adults. If a way for the protozoan to not survive the molting process was found, it would be a head start in controlling populations carrying the T.cruzi before they reach adulthood.

When a home or business is infested with the tiny insects, it’s best to contact a NJ bedbug exterminator sooner than later.

At Stern, our NJ bed bug exterminator staff is well-versed in what it takes to get rid of the pests through proven methods and techniques. When you need experts on the job, contact us. We’ll take care of the problem.