Why Are They Back?
Bed bugs never really left. They are common in many nations around the world. We are seeing a resurgence in North America for several reasons:
Reduced use of pesticides
Target specific pesticides
Increase in global travel
Second-hand furniture
How Do You Get Them?
Bed bugs do not cling to people but they can accidentally get caught up in our belongings.
Because bed bugs readily hide in small crevices, they may accompany (as stowaways) in luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows, boxes, and other such objects. From there they can be introduced into a home, hotel, office, hospital, or any other buildings as well as modes of transportation. Sanitation is not a factor in whether you get bed bugs or not.
How Do They Spread?
Once established, bed bugs tend to stay put but can spread due to any of the following:
Being disturbed (i.e. disassembling furniture or incorrect pesticide application)
A food shortage (i.e. no host) may cause them to migrate to neighboring rooms
A shortage of harborage spaces may cause them to migrate to neighboring rooms
Infested furniture dragged down a hall
Vacuum cleaners used for multiple rooms
Communal laundry machines
Can I Prevent Them?
There is no way to prevent bed bugs entirely; however, experts agree that early detection is the best way to prevent them from establishing themselves. A bed bug dog is your best tool for early detection. Dogs can complete a bed bug inspection up to 10x faster and with better accuracy than a trained professional which is why many bed bug companies utilize them for their inspections.
What Do They Look Like?
Oval shaped and flat
Six legs
Two antennae
Cannot fly
Short, golden body hair
Nymph Adult
– Clear to yellow color – Reddish-brown color
-1-4mm long – 5-6mm long
Where Do They Hide?
Bed bugs can hide just about anywhere; this is what makes detecting them so difficult. Typical hiding places are:
Mattress seams
Behind pictures
Box springs
In curtains
Behind headboards
Behind baseboards
Bed frames
Sofas – Nightstands
Along carpet edges
Do They Bite?
Yes, all bed bugs bite. They feed on blood every 3 days when a host is present. If a host is absent bed bugs can go “dormant” for up to a year.
What Do Bites Look Like?
Everyone reacts differently to bed bug bites but the typical reaction is small, red, raised, itchy bumps. It is important to note that roughly 70% of people do not react to bed bug bites. People can also experience a delay from the time they were bitten to the time it takes to react. This means you may not react to bites received the previous week until after you have returned home
Do They Carry Diseases?
Bed bugs can carry up to 28 human pathogens (disease-causing agents). However, all studies conducted to date indicate that there is no evidence to suggest that bed bugs are capable of transferring disease from one person to another.
