Where Do Bed Bugs Come From and Other Bed Bug FAQs

Bed bugs love human odors and their beds. The compulsive bloodsuckers are global travelers and possess the ability to double their gang within no time. Their menace can become a big challenge if not attended to promptly. 

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not attracted to dirt but to warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide. 

But don’t worry. This guide will equip you with all you need to know about these unwelcome buggers. Read on for more insights and handle any bed bug problem.    

Bed Bug 101

Bed bugs feed purely on blood, preferably that of humans. The common bed bug can survive without food for up to 70 days. A survival rate of 80 percent of eggs laid makes them easily replace any half attempts to eliminate them. Seeking an expert opinion may be your only chance before you have full-blown bed bug infestations on your premises as a residence inherently attracts bed bugs.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs spread everywhere and there is virtually no place beyond their reach. Hygiene has no relevance to them and bed bugs find any way into a residence. Bed bugs thrive in any place where people gather: apartments, hotels, hospitals, retail stores, schools, and even public transport. A few common ways how they get into your house are:

1. They hide and ride on a visiting person’s clothes, baggage, or bodies (they are hitchhikers).
2. Through infested articles (furniture, backpacks, clothing) brought in.
3. Accessible routes are available near infested dwellings (like false ceilings and ducts).
4. Stuck to warm-blooded animals (pets, poultry, birds, etc.).

Poor, rich, dirty, clean — everyone and every place are susceptible to bed bug infestation and you are always at risk of bringing bed bugs home.

Identifying Bed Bugs

The oval, flat and brownish when unfed; become elongated, swollen (balloon-like), and red-brown (apple-seed sized) when fed. 

But how big are bed bugs? An adult six-legged crawly is easily visible (4 to 5 mm). Nymphs are nearly invisible due to their size and light color (whitish-yellow). Blood feed is a must to produce eggs and continue the bed bug life cycle. 

Heat and carbon-dioxide attract them, and they typically feed at night. A smelly musty odor is another sign to confirm their presence. They are swift runners (like ants) but are wingless and cannot fly.

Types of Bed Bugs

Bad news, there are over 90 species of bed bugs. But the good news is that only two of them are known to nibble on humans majorly as under:

1. Cimex lectularius or common bed bug
2. Cimex hemipterus or tropical bed bug

Unfortunately, only an entomologist can differentiate between these nocturnal suckers. Both species have similar habits and identical bites, so it doesn’t matter which infested your home. The damage is the same.

Can Bed Bugs Harm You?

Bed bugs are not life-threatening, but nearly 70% of humans show allergic reactions to their bites. A single bug will probe the exposed skin (arms, neck, face) multiple times before locating good human blood flow, resulting in numerous bites from the same bug. 

The salivary fluids have anticoagulants. Itchy red spots may occur in many cases, which can further cause secondary infections if scratched. Besides this, a bed bug infestation can also bring about anxiety, stress, insomnia, frustration, and social stigmatization.

Treating Bed Bug Bites

Although not considered a severe medical condition, the spate of itchy welts may call for a dermatologist visit, especially in children and sensitive adults. An attack from bed bugs may prompt a prescription for skin infection or anti-allergic medication. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of the bed bug menace requires time and patience. Frequent travel or cluttered surrounding may add to your woes. You may need more expertise and resources to fight against them. Seeking assistance from professionals like Budget Brothers will boost your fight against these resilient bugs. But most importantly, stay vigilant and look out for bed bug infestation at your home (especially where you sleep).

Do a Deep Clean

The tell-tale signs that you need a deep cleaning of your premises are:

1. Blood smear on blankets, bedding, box springs, sheets or couches, or bed frame
2. Tiny black specks on the mattress, beneath the cushions, and carpets may be their excreta (look at seams and pipings). 
3. Eggs and exoskeletons in crevices or cracks (shell-like leftovers). 
4. Check behind wallpapers, baseboards, picture frames, and electric switchplates to find bed bugs.
5. Check shoes, backpacks, suitcases, closets and drawers, and appliances (they could be hiding anywhere). 
6. Check any second hand furniture

Clean, declutter, vacuum, wash exposed laundry (use steam/heat), cut down their hiding spots, and give access to your exterminator to evaluate the situation for you.

Pesticides vs. Professional

Adopting DIY techniques and opting for pesticides without adequate knowledge may be tempting. It may save you some cash initially but can have serious health consequences besides giving ineffective results. Quite often, treatments need combination techniques which only a professional can take a call on depending on the severity of the infestation.

Eliminate Bed Bugs With Budget Brothers

Budget Brothers pest control company is your best bet to eliminate these pesky infiltrators.

Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination has been an Arizona leader in pest control for over 25 years. Reach out to our team of trained and experienced professionals for fast, friendly, and safe termite extermination. We assess each situation and provide customized treatment. 

Reach out to Budget Brothers and schedule a consultation now.