6 Facts To Know About Bed Bugs
When most of us envision bed bugs, we picture them crawling about an unsanitary home, day and night. This, in fact, is not always the case, as the pests can and will inhabit any space so long as they can find warmth and an available source of food.
Whether it’s a sparkling-clean, five-star hotel or a dirty apartment building, pests are not picky about their lodging and they are sneaky in their work. Continue reading to arm yourself with key information about the pests should they find a way into your home.
1. Rapidly reproduces
Since the critters can lay up to 400 eggs in less than two weeks’ time, working to eliminate the threat of infestation is crucial as soon as the bugs are suspected. Be sure to seek out remedial treatment when you observe the first sign.
2. Nearly eradicated
The itchy pests were almost wiped out in the middle of the twentieth century, but an increase in global travel along with regulations for pesticide uses have brought the bugs back from the brink. There is also some evidence that pests of today are more resistant to chemicals than ever before.
3. Unnoticeable bites at night
One reason why the pests are difficult to detect is that they are nocturnal and are most active when we are sleeping, leaving behind evidence of their bites but not waking their victim in the process. If you find yourself waking with new bites-usually red and multiple in number-be on the lookout.
4. Carriers of disease
Another common myth about them is that they are irritating but relatively harmless. In reality, infections can develop from bites, and studies now show that an infestation can lead to mental health problems. While they are not known to transmit diseases, they can carry a variety of viruses.
5. Not completely stealthy
The elusive pests can be difficult to detect, but they do leave behind clues as to their presence-in addition to the red bite marks on your skin. Tiny brown spotting may appear on bed sheets and mattresses and they may produce a musty scent. If you are unsure about pest activity, purchase a bed bug interceptor to catch bugs in your home.
6. Luggage hitchhikers
The pests are extremely mobile and can follow you home by hopping aboard your suitcase, handbag, dry cleaning-anything they feel to be warm and safe. This includes second-hand items such as furniture or appliances. Be sure to check belongings for pests-new and old-before bringing them into your home.
Understanding more about bed bugs will help you to decrease the chances of an infestation and to eliminate a problem should it arise. Above all, be sure to act quickly if you suspect presence of the pests before the situation escalates.