With all of the media attention bed bugs are getting again, you may think you know all there is to know about the pesky little creatures. You know that they bite you in your sleep, cause itchy red bumps, and can be difficult to get rid of. But I bet there are some things that you did not know and will surprise you.
1. Bed bugs can live anywhere
Many people think that bed bugs only infest hotels but that is far from the truth. They can live in any type of dwelling that is occupied by humans; they just need a host. Along with homes they will get into office buildings, schools, public transportation, movie theatre seats, shopping centers and anywhere else that they can find a regular meal of blood.
2. Bed bugs do not just love the city life
Many people think that bed bugs only infest hotels but that is far from the truth. They can live in any type of dwelling that is occupied by humans; they just need a host. Along with homes they will get into office buildings, schools, public transportation, movie theatre seats, shopping centers and anywhere else that they can find a regular meal of blood.
Bed bugs thrive in all areas; they do not need a big city or a third-world country. The incidence of bed bugs is higher in urban areas than it is in rural areas because of the larger population density. More people means more hosts. It is easier for the bed bugs to spread more rapidly in a highly populated area.
3. Bed bugs are hardy
Bed bugs can live for quite some time without feeding. You can find them hiding out in furniture, in bags and suitcases, and in other areas where they may lie in wait for a human host. They can also survive in low temperatures so it is really hard to treat them with DIY methods.
4. Bed bugs are elusive
Bed bugs know how to survive. They stay out of view during the day and hide in places they feel they will not be detected. Aside from being in mattresses and other bedding, they may hid in box springs, baseboards, and behind electrical switch plates. They have also been known to hide behind pictures on the wall and behind wallpaper. They come out of hiding at night when we sleep because they are nocturnal and they are attracted by the carbon dioxide we exhale.
5. Bed bugs are methodical
Bed bugs feed in a predictable pattern. A bed bug will find a host and feed until it is full. The bites are often found in a pattern on the victim in either rows or clusters.
6. Bed bugs do not wake their victim
Some people will wonder why they have so many bites but were not woken from sleep. A bed bug has saliva that acts like an anesthetic that will encourage increased blood flow at the site of the bite. This makes the feeding quick and painless.
Even if you do not feel the bites, the bed bugs are there. They go into hiding after a feeding so you may not even see them but if you have bites that appear to be from bed bugs, it is a good idea to call Rox Bugs so they can source them out and get rid of them before the next feeding.
