The Truth About Bed Bugs!
Did you know that in the 1950s, bed bugs were all but completely eradicated in the United States.
But with the rise of international & interstate travel, and the world opening up again after COVID-19, bedbugs have become more far spread than ever before!
Not So #FunFacts about BedBugs
- Every year, 1 in every 5 households is INFESTED by bed bugs.
- Bed bug cases were reported in every states in 2020.
- Bed bugs are 60% more likely to bite the upper body rather than areas lower.
- It takes 5-7 weeks on average for a bed bug infestation to be realized.
- Bedbugs are most common in homes & apartments, with the third greatest percentage of infestations occurring in hotels (yes, HOTELS).
- 55 to 75 degrees F is the optimal temperature range for bedbugs to spread.
- Rcently, 71% of infestations are initially believed to be a flea problem, another 25% are blamed on cockroaches (Gross, but still not the offenders !)
- Nearly 97% of bedbug professionals perform bed bug remediation on an annual basis.
- Nearly half of all bed bug services and treatments are conducted in the summer.
What % of Homes Them??
Reports have shown that 1 in every 5 households report bedbug outbreaks & infestations every year.
Bedbugs aren’t nearly as picky about their new “home” as you are. They can thrive in conditions that are out if sight and out of mind until you see the tell-tale signs and it is too late. As long as they have access to food ( YOU! ) and a hiding place ( ANYWHERE ), they can get all too cozy and set up shop in no time at all.
How Wide Spread Is The Bedbug Problem?
All 50 states, Even Alaska and Hawaii ! They are most often found in warmer areas of the US, where the temperatures have less fluctuation, but inside your home it is rare that temperatures swing more than a few degrees seasonally.
A table from a global pest management association shows the percentage of bed bug outbreaks by region of the U.S.
| U.S. REGION | % OF INFESTATIONS |
|---|---|
| Southeast | 29% |
| Midwest | 21% |
| West | 19% |
| Southwest | 15% |
| Mid-Atlantic | 11% |
| Northeast | 5% |
Some states have a higher rates than others. Based on Orkin’s 2021 Bed Bug Cities list, the following have the worst bed bug problems:
- Ohio (6 cities)
- Michigan (4 cities)
- Florida (3 cities)
- Illinois (3 cities)
- New York (2 cities)
Where Do BedBugs Bite?
Bed bugs will bite many times over the course of just a single night. You could have several bites clustered together & they could all have been made by a single one. Bed bugs feed nocturnally. They feed when people are asleep, and typically bite along the upper body along the torso.
Areas for bed bug bites include:
- Head
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Arms
Bedbugs are 60% more likely to bite along the upper body.
When bedbugs bite, they inject antihistamines & anticoagulants into the bloodstream to prevent the blood from clotting and also prevent immediate itching.
Symptoms of bites include red welts & itchiness around the area.
Severe symptoms & allergic reactions may include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
Non-physical results are also possible including insomnia, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
How Long Does It Take?
How quickly a bed bug infestation spreads depends on a few factors. They include location, temperature, how often they feed & how often they are reproducing.
There are 2 categories of bedbug infestations:
- Severe infestation
- Light infestation.
Severe infestation:
It can be difficult to identify when the infestation first started. They will have developed into a colony, meaning they have managed to hide from detection for at least several months.
In a lighter infestation…
Quick removal is possible. A light bedbug infestation means, while bedbugs are still a problem, they have yet to fully colonize and establish. The infestation is in its early stages, exterminating this type of outbreak is often faster and less costly.
Bed Bugs: Home vs Hotel:
Bed bugs can be found wherever people gather, sleep or spend any amount of time; they are common in travel hubs like airport terminals, bus stations, hotels and convention arenas.
68% of bed bug infestations are in hotels. These cases aren’t exclusive to low-end establishments, 5-star hotels also fall victim to infestations.
At home, bedbugs are far more common. Homeowners will report a bedbug outbreak in their residence after traveling, entertaining house guests or even having a gathering.
45% of bedbug infestations happen in single-family dwellings.
28% occur in multi-unit apartment complexes.
Hotel Bed Bug Outbreaks
In June 2018, Brazilian model Sabrina Jales St. Pierre sued Hilton Hotels after she was bitten by bed bugs in her room. St. Pierre received over 90 bites on her body, which left her traumatized in the immediate aftermath of her stay.
The Lake Louise Chateau in Calgary, Canada was forced to pay $24,000 in damages following a settlement in March 2021. Omar Abdulhak, an Edmonton lawyer, was bitten by bed bugs during his 2-day stay at the hotel. The Chateau had a history of reported bed bug incidents; suspiciously, their own internal investigations never confirmed the presence of bed bugs in their rooms.
Ideal BedBug Temperature:
Bed bugs prefer warm climates, which is a reason they are so common in the Southern United States.
Bed bugs prefer temperatures between 55 & 75 F.
Extreme temperatures are capable of killing bed bugs, though as with most extermination methods, it takes time to work.
Bed Bugs Confused For Other Types Of Pests?
Bedbugs are often confused with other pests due to their size and the similarities between bites from other insects.
You should look for the following telltale signs of bed bugs:
- Pay attention to the area around your bed. Bed bugs commonly leave tell-tale signs in covers, blankets, bedding material & near the bed frame, fecal matter and discarded skins!
- Bloodstains on your sheets are another sign of bed bugs. Since bed bugs don’t move quickly, they may be crushed when a person moves around in their sleep. Bloodstains are all that remains of any bedbug that gets crushed in the night.
- If you see bite marks, pay attention to where they are on your body. Bedbug bites are usually found along the upper body, including the face, neck and arms. They also appear in small, zigzag-like patterns.
Bedbugs are small parasitic insects that feed on human blood, usually while the person sleeping in bed. They are reddish-brown in color, flat, oval-shaped and about size of an apple seed. Bedbug infestations are becoming increasingly common in many parts the world and can cause discomfort, anxiety, health problems and social stigma.
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about bedbugs, including their behavior, identification, and treatment.
Behavior
Bedbugs are primarily nocturnal creatures and typically emerge from their hiding at night to feed on human blood. They are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, is why they tend to target as their primary host.
Bedbugs tend to hide in creices and cracks, such as the seams of mattresses, headboards, bed frames, box or even in other furniture and carpets, making them difficult to detect. They can also be found public places such as hotels, motels, transportation vehicles, and movie theaters.
Bedbugs not transmit diseases, but their bites can cause severe itching, rashes and skin infections. In cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to their bites.
Identification
The first step identifying a bedbug infestation is to look for evidence of their presence. This can includestains on sheets or pillowcases, fecal spots, and shed skins.
Another common sign bedbugs is bites on the skin. Bedbug bites are often grouped together in a line cluster and can appear as itchy, red bumps. However, not everyone reacts to bedbug, and some people may not even be aware of an infestation until it becomes severe.
you suspect that you have a bedbug infestation, it’s essential to contact a pest control immediately. They can confirm the presence of bedbugs and recommend the most effective treatment for your.
Prevention
The best way to prevent bedbugs is to take preventative measures while traveling staying in public spaces. These include:
-Inspecting hotel rooms or rental properties thoroughly for signs bedbugs, such as bloodstains, fecal spots or shed skins.
-Keeping off surfaces and away from walls, including storing it in a plastic bag or suitcase stand.
-Aing bringing used or secondhand furniture into your home, as this can be a common source bedbugs and other pests.
-Keeping your home clean and clutter-free to reduce hiding places bedbugs.
-Regularly vacuuming carpets, mattresses, and other soft surfaces to remove any potential places for bedbugs.
Treatment
If you do become the victim of a bedbug inf, there are several treatment options available. The most common treatments include:
-Chemical-based insect and sprays, which are typically only used by professionals due to their potential toxicity.
- treatments, which use high temperatures to eliminate bedbugs and their eggs in a safe and nonxic way.
-Freeze treatments, which use extreme cold temperatures to kill bedbugs.
-Encement of mattresses and pillows in a specially designed case that prevents bedbugs from entering or leaving-Isolating infested furniture and other objects by wrapping them in plastic and sealing them with to prevent bedbugs from spreading.
Conclusion
Bedbugs can be challenging to detect and even challenging to eradicate. However, by understanding their behavior, taking preventative measures while traveling, and professional help if you suspect an infestation, you can protect yourself from the discomfort and potential problems caused by bedbugs.
If you’re dealing with a bedbug infestation, don’t to contact a pest control professional to discuss the best treatment options for your situation. With the approach, you can rid your home of these pesky pests and enjoy a good night’s sleep once again.
Do We Treat Bed Bugs Often?
EVERY DAY! Bedbugs are so common and prevalent in the north east we have technicians dispatched every day throughout North East PA to help home owners reclaim their houses and a good nights rest. When you want the job done once,, done right and without the stigma of a bedbug logo van in your driveway, contact us !
