The Truth About Bed Bugs Everyone Should Know

Bed bugs are misunderstood creatures in households. These parasites can lead to sleepless nights, costly treatments, and embarrassing encounters for millions across the globe. A bed bug infestation can also cause a financial threat for many, as treatments can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

There are misconceptions that bed bugs only exist in dirty environments or that they are disease-carrying. These mistaken beliefs hinder proper diagnosis and therapy. Know the true facts about bed bugs so you can spot an infestation early and act before it gets worse.

The fact of the matter is that bed bugs are not easy to get rid of and tend to be quite resilient as well. Do-it-yourself attempts often are fruitless because people do not realize just how stubborn these pests can be. There are many professional exterminators available, and they have the right tools and the right knowledge to take care of the problem at hand. Explore now inside our post to get more insights. 

6 Things About Bed Bugs You Need to Know

They Can Live Almost Anywhere

Bed bugs do not care how clean or how poor you are. These winged rodents infest five-star hotels, luxury apartments, and budget motels with the same gusto. They lurk in mattresses, furniture, picture frames, electrical outlets, and even books.

This figure demonstrates the fact that this is now a universal problem and has come to affect every form of property.

They Are Master Hitchhikers

Bed bugs move from location to location by slipping into luggage, clothes, or furniture. They can burrow into your possessions at hotels, movie theaters, public transportation, and the office. As soon as they arrive at your domicile, they swiftly form new dens.

They Can Survive for Months Without Food

This species of bed bug can survive for almost a year without food (blood) as adults. This survival characteristic makes it virtually impossible to completely eliminate them through starvation methods. They just hang out in the wings for a host to come along.

They Are Not Just Active at Night

Although bed bugs love to feed at night, if they are hungry, they will bite during the day. Those who work at night or sleep during the day are just as likely to have daytime attacks.

Their Bites Affect People Differently

Some people react poorly to bed bug bites, but others do not react at all, or get minor welts, or may have an allergic response. Not seeing bites does not necessarily mean you do not have an infestation. Plenty of us go on living with bed bugs for months without even knowing it.

They Reproduce Rapidly

A female bed bug will lay one to five eggs a day, and she is capable of producing up to 500 eggs over a lifetime. Small infestations can grow out of control in a very short space of time because of their fast reproduction.

Tips to Get Rid Of Bed Bugs If You Already Have Them

• Clean bedding, clothing, and all washable fabrics with hot water at a temperature higher than 120°F, then machine dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
• Vacuum extensively along and under beds, behind and beneath furniture, along baseboards, in the corners of floors, and in any cracks and crevices where bugs may hide.
• Keep current bed bugs at bay and prevent new ones from entering with mattress and box spring encasements made for bed bug protection. 
• Dust bed legs and possible hiding places with diatomaceous earth, but with only food-grade products.
• Do routine steam cleaning of furniture and carpets with high-temperature steam to kill bugs and eggs hidden in deep crevices.
• Clear away bedroom clutter, so the bugs do not have a place to hide, and someone looking for them can more easily spot them.
• Be cautious of second-hand furniture, and check items over carefully before bringing them into your home, particularly beds and upholstered furnishings.