Bed Bug Information
Bed bugs are commonly found in beds because they don’t like to travel far for a meal. But they can be found in other places, too. Anywhere humans spend a lot of time is a perfect place for bed bugs to hide. Places like sofas, buses, schools and day care centres, hotels and even hospitals. Bed bugs are attracted to blood, not dirt. So cleanliness doesn’t prevent a bed bug infestation. Read on for more bed bug information.
They Move Slowly and Are Lazy
Bed bugs are not like fleas, ants or other insects that can dart around at top speed. No, bed bugs can only move just over a metre per minute.
Not only do bed bugs move slowly, they also don’t have wings or powerful hind legs to propel them along any faster. So, they do not travel far for a meal. They tend to stay in a 10 metre radius when searching for food. However, they are brilliant at hitchhiking a ride on everything from suitcases to handbags to soft toys.
They Reproduce Quickly
The average lifespan of a bed bug is about one year. Females lay about five eggs a day and lay more than 1,800 eggs in their lifetime. Eggs hatch in about ten days and take a month and a half to mature. Newly hatched bed bugs are so small they can climb through the fibers of an everyday mattress cover.
Long Lifespan, Even Without Food
In the right conditions, bed bugs can go a long time without a meal. In a cool environment with low humidity, they can survive up to nine months without needing to eat. In warmer conditions, they can go without eating closer to 20 days.
They Have Tell-Tale Colouring
If a bed bug hasn’t eaten in a while, it may appear brownish in colour. However, if you see a bright red bed bug, it probably means it has recently eaten.
They Are Not Usually Dangerous
Contrary to what you may think, bed bugs do not spread illness or disease. Everyone reacts differently to bed bug bites. Some people may not have any reaction at all, while others have a severe allergic reaction. Bites can be itchy. Excessive scratching and breaking the skin can lead to a secondary skin infection. Aside from a major allergic reaction, the bugs are ultimately harmless.
If you think you have a bed bug infestation in your home or business, call Pestcheck today for a free bed bug inspection on (778) 903-7378 or email us.
Don’t let bed bugs ruin your comfort and peace of mind. Our experienced team at Pestcheck is ready to help you eliminate these unwelcome guests from your home or business. We proudly serve West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby & New West, Coquitlam & Tri-Cities, and Richmond areas. Don’t wait any longer – contact us today for a free bed bug inspection and let our experts help you reclaim your space. Let’s work together to make your environment bed bug-free!
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