Bed bugs are small, oval, wingless insects that feed on blood. They're found in temperate and tropical areas worldwide. Most people who think bed bugs are common hardly know how to identify a bedbug infestation. There are many reasons for bed bug infestation at your home. These reasons may include your habits, neighbours, or visitors. This article will provide the best information on bed bugs, causes, prevention methods, and what to do if you notice bed bugs in your home. 

Causes of bed bugs

There are various factors to consider when dealing with a bed bug infestation. One of which is their causes, However causes of bed bug infestation can be attributed to the things that often attract them. This paragraph will look into those things.

Blood 

One of the main reasons people work is to seek food and comfort. The same occurs in insects like bed bugs; they are attracted to you in the first place to feed on your blood as it contains the required protein and nutrients for them to perform their daily activities, including production and growth. So even though they can live without feeding on humans for up to a year, their actions will be limited.

Carbon dioxide 

Humans breathe in oxygen and emit CO2. Studies have revealed that this Carbon dioxide is a significant factor that drives them towards their host. For example, whenever we sleep, due to our limited movement, the concentration of CO2 around us tends to be higher than in other areas of the room, as this creates a cloud of CO2 that bed bugs can detect, and they get more attracted to. "Research published in the journal of economic entomology by Narinderpal Singh and Changlu Wang, and Richard cooper revealed that their chemical Lure mixture increased climb up insect interceptor catch by 2.2 times and concluded that there is a positive relationship between carbon dioxide released from sugar-yeast and bed bug trap catches; thus providing evidence that bed bugs are attracted to CO2."

Clutter

Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that clutters attract bed bugs, studies have shown that they provide an ideal site for bed bugs to hide undetected and comfortably.

Old furniture

Old Furniture is often characterized by soft foams and weakened woods with cracks. The wood does not attract bed bugs because bed bugs don't possess biting and chewing mouthparts like termites to feed on. They are only concerned about the cracks in your furniture as this provides a dark and safe place for them to hide and breed.

Click here to learn more about hiding sites for bed bugs.

Maintaining a Bed bug-Free Environment.

While you can prevent bed bugs by controlling their environment, you cannot eliminate the pests. You can, however, stop them from your home. One way to do this is to seal the cracks and crevices that allow entry. That includes baseboards, walls, floorboards, furniture and cabinets, under stoves and appliances, and even under sinks. You can seal these cracks with commercial bed bug-resistant sealants or silicone caulk. Ensure you follow the directions on the package to ensure you are doing it correctly. You can also look at what your neighbours do to keep their homes free of bed bugs. This can give you ideas on what might work for you. 

Eliminating the Bed Bugs Themselves 

You can also eliminate bed bugs by killing them. You can use a pesticide that will kill all the insect life. Likewise, you must ensure that you can safely apply this product. If not, it may damage your home and not eliminate the bugs. You should also use a professional to help you. Bed bug control companies can do more thorough inspections, saving money (depending on the organization). They also have better equipment to remove and kill bed bugs. You can also try vacuuming— Vacuum upholstered furniture, including couches, chairs, and recliners. Clean the seams of the cushions and stuffing. Clean the seams of any loose cushion covers. Once vacuuming is finished, discard the bag containing the contaminated items after cleaning the room, and place newspaper under furniture legs, tables, and benches.

Prevention is your best bet to get rid of bed bugs 

There are some preventative measures that you should take to keep these creatures from attacking your home. If you notice bed bugs in your home, it is a good idea to eliminate them before they make a home. 

Note: Prevention is always better than cure!

To know more about bed bugs and the dangers they impose. Click here.

FAQs

How do bed bugs initially start?

Bed bugs' history can be traced back to prehistoric times. During this period, bats were the significant carriers of bed bugs, not until men began to live in caves where these bats inhabited. It was believed that this was where a man picked bed bugs from and spread them near human dwellings.

What kills bed bugs and their eggs?

Isopropyl alcohol and steam at about 100 °C are effective enough to kill bed bugs and their eggs.

How long do bed bugs live?

Bed bugs' life span is usually from four to 12 months, with or without a blood meal.

How do you find bed bugs dwelling?

Once you can spot a bug, it may be challenging to trace it back to their dwellings as they crawl very fast and disappear from your sight before you know it, especially when they detect a threat. However, you can look for signs like dark spots or blood stains on beddings and eggs, and you may decide to check for cracks on your walls.

To know more about hidden sites of bed bugs, check out our previous posts.

Is it challenging to keep bedbugs away? 

Yes, bedbugs are tough to control. But, unlike cockroaches, they hide in dark places, especially corners, between the mattress, box springs, and under-bed frames. This is where you can find them when you search under the bed and in the seams of the mattress.