Bedbugs: Hungry For Human Hosts

Bedbugs are like mosquitos without wings. They get their name from feeding on human hosts in bed. These pests are about the size and color of an apple seed.

Bedbugs are hitchhikers and found in every place people gather, including residences, hotels, schools, offices and public transportation. They have been a household pest issue for more than 3,300 years – dating back to ancient Egypt. They were first brought to the U.S. by early colonists.

Today, bedbug infestation continues to increase in the U.S. According to the 2015 Bugs Without Borders survey, conducted by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, 99.6 percent of pest professionals reported treating for them last year. Chicago is considered the bedbug capital of the world.

Habits and Threats of Bedbugs

Bedbugs congregate in one area. They like staying where people are sitting or lying still, so they are commonly found in box springs and bed frames. They also infest armchairs, couches, curtains, curtain rods, shoes and more. They enter your property by attaching to your clothes, backpacks, boxes and suitcases.

Their feeding habits revolve around when their host is sedentary. It takes five to 10 minutes for them to retrieve blood from the host. Once bedbugs complete their feeding, they hide for five to 10 days. During this time in hiding, they digest their meal, mate and lay eggs.

Even though bedbugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. They don’t transmit diseases, but their bites become red, itchy welts.

Preventing Bedbugs

As a homeowner, it’s good to know how to identify and prevent bedbugs. Follow these tips:

• Vacuum suitcases after returning from vacation.

• Examine your mattress and box spring for black spots. The spots are fecal matter and a sign you have an infestation.

• Check your bedsheets for blood spots.

• Avoid buying and using second-hand furniture. This is a common way to relocate these pests.

Since bedbugs are elusive and can spread quickly, it is important you look to professionals to help you treat this pest. If you suspect you may have a bedbug infestation in your home, please contact us at (920) 582-9000 or visit our website.