10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Bedbugs

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Bedbugs are notoriously tricky, frustrating pests to deal with, and if you ever have the misfortune of having them, you will know what I am talking about. Bed bugs, the tiny red and brown insects, are not strangers to many homes and hotels, but there’s much more to them than meets the eye.

Keep scrolling to learn ten things you probably didn’t know about bedbugs before today.

Bedbugs Can Survive for Months Without Feeding

One of the most stunning facts about this insect is how long it can go without feeding or drinking blood. Although they usually feed on human blood about once every 5 to 10 days, bed bugs can also be quite resilient — even some of the toughest bugs will survive for up to five months without a meal. This particular ability is responsible for how strong they are and how challenging it is to eliminate them.

They Are Attracted to Carbon Dioxide and Body Heat

Human hosts emit carbon dioxide, which we exhale, which attracts bedbugs. This is why bedbugs like to bite us while we sleep: Our breathing gets slower, and our bodies become immobile for a longer period. They can feel the changes and crawl into the surroundings for blood.

They Can Lay Up to 500 Eggs in Their Lifetime

In their life span, female bugs can lay up to 500 eggs. Since adult bedbugs live for 6-12 months, you can deduce that they lay about 50 eggs monthly. The eggs are so small; they are the same size as a pinhead, and without any unmistakable features, humans would not even notice them. This fast reproduction rate is one factor that makes bedbug infestations escalate so rapidly.

Bedbugs Have Been Around for Thousands of Years

Humans have been battling bedbugs for thousands of years. Their earliest record is from ancient Greece, but they are also referenced in medieval European literature and ancient Egyptian and Roman writings.

They Can Hide Almost Anywhere

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Bedbugs are incredible hiders and can often slide into the smallest cracks. They have been discovered in beds and mattresses, bed frames, furniture, behind baseboards and electrical outlets, and even behind wallpaper, making it challenging to spot and eliminate them.

Bedbug Bites Are Not Dangerous

While these bugs may bite and be unpleasant, the good news is they do not carry any diseases that could harm humans. Though irritating, painful, and unsightly, the bites are typically harmless. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to the bites.

They Are Not Just Found in Dirty Places

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Contrary to popular belief, bedbugs are not only found in dirty or unkempt places. They can also be found in clean and well-maintained homes and hotels. If there is a food source, human blood, bedbugs will survive and thrive. So, don’t assume that a place is free of bedbugs because it is clean.

Professional Pest Control Is the Most Effective Way to Get Rid of Them

There are plenty of do-it-yourself methods for handling bedbugs, yet professional pest control is conveniently much more effective than any of these. Because of this, it is difficult to eliminate the bedbugs yourself, as they are tough and can easily develop resistance to over-the-counter pesticides.

They Can Travel Long Distances

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Bedbugs are small insects, but they can get around very well. They can easily crawl onto luggage, bedding, clothes, or furniture when moving in and out of different places. This is why it is vital to be careful when sleeping in hotels or traveling to avoid returning home with bedbugs.

They Can Survive Extreme Temperatures

Bedbugs are resilient creatures that can survive in extreme temperatures. They can live in cold conditions for up to a year or withstand high heat up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This ability makes it difficult to eliminate them using extreme temperature methods alone.