Despite popular belief, bed bugs are not a result of a dirty home (or hotel room). One in five Americans has had a bed bug infestation at one time or another, through no fault of the homeowner.
So, if dirt and grime don't attract these pesky insects, where do bed bugs originate?
Similar to ticks and fleas, bed bugs hitch a ride on soft or upholstered surfaces including furniture, clothing, and luggage. Once inside, bed bugs can easily move through multiple rooms. These invaders can even travel through entire apartment complexes!
Knowing where bed bugs come from can help you protect yourself and your home. Keep reading to learn more about the origin of these unwanted guests.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Before you can identify a bed bug infestation, you need to know what they are and what they look
like.
Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color and only one-quarter inch in length. They have flat bodies and no wings. Their size and shape before are often compared to that of an apple seed.
After feeding, bed bugs plump-up and turn red in color. They have two antenna and six legs.
Bed bugs crawl fast and hide in all areas of your bed including the frame, box spring, headboard, and mattress. They can also burrow in the floor, wall, and inside other furniture.
Bed bugs are dormant during the day but come out to feed at night.
Where Do Bed Bugs Originate?
So, how do these pesty bedroom invaders enter your home? Bed bugs are hitchhikers, which means they'll attach to the nearest soft surface. You might be carrying these bugs into your own home without even realizing it!
They tend to gather in the same places as people. Large crowds or meeting areas including public transportation and hotels make it easy for bed bugs to jump from one host to another.
Furniture is another breeding ground for bed bugs. If you purchase second-hand items including couches, mattresses, or box springs, do a thorough inspection before bringing them into your house.
It can be difficult to identify bed bugs, which is why you need to check for other signs of an infestation.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs leave behind plenty of evidence including bloody or rusty stains on the sheets, walls, or upholstery.
You may also show signs of an infestation. When bed bugs feed on humans, you may notice bites or a rash on your arms and legs. Bed bug bites start off small but will swell and itch after 2-3 days.
In addition to spotting the bed bugs themselves, you may also notice eggs, eggshells, or their skins. Use a flashlight to inspect all areas of your bed, mattress, and frame. Although tiny, these bugs and their eggs are visible by the naked eye.
Eggs and eggshells are both pale white in color.
Prevent Bed Bugs from Entering Your Home
Prevention is key when it comes to stopping a bed bug infestation. Knowing where they come from and what they look like can help. You should also take precautionary measures, even if they seem extreme.
These include:
- Vacuuming all suitcases and luggage after traveling. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately outside.
- Avoid placing your suitcases on the floor in your hotel room
- Wash all clothes using a hot cycle following vacation
- Inspect all furniture before bringing it into your home including cushions, pillows, and seams
Treat Bed Bugs Once and For All
If you've always wondered, "where do bed bugs originate?", you can stop wondering!
Now you know that a bed bug problem has nothing to do with the cleanliness of your home. Instead, it's about traveling smart and checking any upholstered materials you bring in your home.
If you suspect you have a bed bug problem, our team of professionals can help. Viking Pest is the bed bug exterminator expert throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Get a fast, free bed bug estimate online, or call us 24/7 at 1-800-618-2847 to learn more about our bed bug treatment options.
