Current Events: Bedbugs are Back

Bedbugs were almost wiped out in the 1950's by a chemical called DDT. They are found behind headboards, mattress seams and furniture. Then when they are ready they go on a search for human blood, but they are back after a few surviving multiplying. Why not use DDT? Because DDT is no longer used due to the fact it is bad for the environment. The most common bedbug that has been found all around the world is called the Climax letularicus. A recent survey revealed that 95% of 1,000 pest-control companies have said they have dealt with a bedbug problem in only the past year. Out of all countries New York City is the most effected, bedbugs have been found in the Empire State Building and any other places. Even though bedbug bites are harmless, and 1 out for 3 people often have no reaction, and even though they are often mistaken for mosquito bites. These bugs and do emotional damage. Scientists showed at the first ever bedbug summit in Chicago, September 21, how bedbugs hop from continents by traveling on handbags, purses, etc. Experts say to people that the best way to prevent bedbugs from entering your home is to check clothing, bags, etc. for signs of bedbugs. If bedbugs are found it is advised to call in a professional or you could wind up doing what Amanda Shaw of Bloomington, Indiana did, she fought the bedbugs for 2 years and then called a professional. "In the next 10 years, a silver bullet will be found," says bedbug expert Richard Cooper. "Somebody made Velcro, and it changed the world. Somebody will figure out how to deal with bedbugs, and after that, they will be just another pest."
I found this article interesting because it was something that I had heard on the news, and was scared(which helped me understand what they said in the article about emotional damage) So reading this helped me understand more about bedbugs. This ties into our Unit 1 about interactions because what we have here is a type of a symbiotic relationship, the kind of relationship which is known as parasitic. This relationship between bedbugs and humans is actually, from my perspective, kind of in the the middle between Parasitic and Commensalism.
To learn more visit: http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/teachers/wr/article/0,27972,2027217,00.html