Why did the number of bedbugs increase after treatment? - briefly
Incomplete eradication leaves surviving insects that rapidly reproduce, leading to a higher count. Disruption of hiding places also forces bugs to emerge, making the infestation more noticeable.
Why did the number of bedbugs increase after treatment? - in detail
The apparent rise in bed‑bug populations following an intervention often results from incomplete eradication rather than a true proliferation. Insecticide‑based approaches can fail for several reasons:
• Resistance: Bed‑bugs develop genetic mutations that reduce susceptibility to common chemicals, allowing survivors to reproduce. • Egg survival: Many treatments target active insects; dormant eggs remain protected by the exoskeleton and hatch later, inflating counts. • Insufficient coverage: Missed cracks, seams, and furniture crevices provide refuges where insects avoid contact with the product. • Improper dosage: Under‑dosing fails to achieve lethal concentrations, while overdosing can degrade active ingredients prematurely. • Re‑introduction: Visitors, second‑hand furniture, or neighboring apartments can bring new insects into a previously treated space. • Heat‑tolerance limits: Heat treatments below the lethal threshold (≈50 °C for at least 90 minutes) allow some individuals to survive. • Behavioral adaptation: Bed‑bugs may alter feeding times or hide deeper within structures when exposed to chemicals, reducing exposure.
Each factor contributes to a post‑treatment surge by preserving a breeding pool that later expands. Effective control therefore requires integrated pest‑management strategies: rotation of chemical classes, thorough inspection of all potential harborages, verification of heat parameters, and monitoring for reinfestation sources. Continuous follow‑up inspections confirm that residual populations have been eliminated, preventing a rebound in numbers.