EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEDBUGS

Bedbugs are night owls. They come out to feed while you’re peacefully sleeping, attracted by your body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale. Beds are their favorite hangout, but they’ll happily settle in couches, chairs, and even your car if given the chance. 

Bedbugs are sneaky hitchhikers. They can cling to your luggage after a hotel stay, latch onto second-hand furniture, or stow away in your clothes after visiting an infested space. Even if your home is sparkling clean, they can still move in. All they need is a way in and a warm host (aka, you). 

These pests are experts at hide-and-seek. Here’s what to look for:

• Bite marks: Small, itchy red spots, often in clusters or lines.

• Droppings: Tiny dark stains on bedding or furniture.

• Shed skins: Evidence of their growth and molting.

• Musty smell: A weird, sweet odor in heavily infested areas. 

Bedbugs are like the rabbits of the pest world—they multiply fast! A single female bedbug can lay hundreds of eggs during her lifetime. These tiny eggs hatch in just 6 to 10 days, and the baby bedbugs (nymphs) grow up in about five weeks. Before you know it, a few bedbugs can turn into a full-blown infestation.

Because of their rapid life cycle, a small problem can quickly spiral out of control. That’s why early detection and action are key to stopping these pests before they take over your home!

One of the biggest myths about bedbugs is that they are a result of poor hygiene. In reality, bedbugs can infest any environment, regardless of cleanliness, as long as they have access to a host. Another misconception is that bedbugs only infest beds. While beds are a primary location, these pests can live in any area where people spend extended periods, such as sofas, chairs, and even cars. 

Here are some tips to prevent an infestation:

1. Check second-hand items: Look for signs of bedbugs before bringing furniture or clothes into your home.
   
   
2. Be cautious when traveling: Inspect hotel rooms, keep your luggage off the floor, and wash your clothes on high heat when you return.
   
   
3. Seal cracks and crevices: Don’t give them a place to hide!
   
   
4. Vacuum regularly: Especially around beds, furniture, and carpets.