Bed bugs have been in the news over the past few years. With all the attention these little blood suckers have received, you might think you know quite a bit about these pests:
- they feed on humans while they sleep,
- they cause itchy, red bumps
- they are hard to get rid of!
The truth is, bed bugs have a lot of secrets and some may surprise you! Milberger Pest Control is in the business of fighting and eliminating pests, like bed bugs, and so we know quite a bit about them! Here are a few facts we thought you might like to know,
Fact #1: Bed bugs live anywhere/everywhere
When most people think of bed bugs, they think of hotels. But the truth is, bed bugs can thrive in single-family homes, apartments, hospitals, college dorm rooms, office buildings, schools, buses, trains, movie theaters, retail stores and just about anywhere that humans are. In fact, according to the “Bugs without Borders” study, pest control professionals report treating infestations:
- 89% in single-family homes
- 88% in apartments/condos
- 67% in hotels/motels
- 35% in college dormitories
- 9% on various modes of transportation
- 5% in laundry facilities
- 4% in movie theaters
Did the movie theater one just make you cringe?
Fact #2: Bed bugs aren’t just city dwellers.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not just in big cities or third-world countries. They are found in all 50 states. The NPMA’s survey ” Bed Bugs in America” found that:
- 17% in the Northeast
- 20% in the Midwest
- 20% in the South
- 19% in the West
Additionally, the study found that the incidence three times higher in urban areas than in rural areas due to factors such as larger population size, apartment living and increased mobility, which are conducive to the rapid spread and breeding.
Fact #3: Bed bugs are hardy
These pests can live for several months without a blood meal. This means they can linger in furniture, bags and suitcases for a long time until they are near a human host again. In addition, bed bugs can survive temperatures of nearly freezing to 122 degrees. Because of this, bed bugs are not a pest that can be treated with DIY measures. Professional pest control is the most effective way to treat an infestation.
Fact #4: Bed bugs are smart
As a survival instinct, they are elusive. They know to stay out of view during the daytime, hiding in mattress crevices, box springs, baseboards, behind electrical switch-plates, in picture frames, and even behind wallpaper. But at nighttime, the carbon dioxide we exhale often tempts them out of their hiding spots.
Fact #5: Bed bugs are methodical
They have a predictable feeding pattern. Once a single bug finds a host, it will usually feed for 5 to 10 minutes until repletion. Sometimes the pattern of feeding is jokingly referred to as breakfast, lunch and dinner as bites will often be found in a pattern. But the bite marks they leave behind – often in clusters or in a row on exposed skin on the chest, arms or legs – are telltale signs of a infestation.
Fact #6: Bed bugs could have a degree in anesthesiology
People often wonder why the biting doesn’t wake us up. The answer is that components in their saliva act as an anesthetic and promote increased blood flow at the bite site, making the feeding process quick and nearly painless.
After feeding, they move to secluded places and hide for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but instead digest their meal, mate and lay eggs.
If you have a bed bug infestation, don’t try to treat it alone. Instead, contact a licensed pest professional like Milberger Pest Control, We are trained on the (unique, often sneaky) habits of bed bugs and are able to inspect your home and recommend an effective course of treatment.