bedbug nymphs

Bed bugs are a topic that we have covered in the past on this blog and one we will continue to cover again in the future.  In honor of the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) Bed Bug Awareness Week, this week’s posts will be devoted to informing you and helping you fight these persistent pests. Bed bugs, which were once almost eradicated from the United States, have resurged as a major problem throughout the nation.  These pests plague homes, hotels, schools and even public transportation. As we approach summer, a prime season for bed bugs, it is important to be informed about these pests.  Here are our top ten bed bug facts.

1.  Bed bugs can produce a sweet musty odor, which can be a sign of them in your home.

1. Bed bug bites may take as long as 14 days to appear visibly on your skin.

1. Bed bugs can last for up to a year without feeding, which is one of the reasons they are so hard to get rid of.

1. Bed bugs are most active at night, which is why individuals often discover bites in the morning.

1. Bed bugs inject an anesthetic when they bite, which is why you don’t usually wake up when bitten.  The discomfort and itchiness isn’t experienced until hours after the bites occur.

1. According to the NPMA, bed bug related calls to exterminators have increased by 81% in the last decade.

1. Bed bugs are extremely resilient and can survive in extreme temperatures from just above freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Over 90% of pest control companies report having been contacted about bed bug infestations.

1. Bed bugs travel on clothes, suitcases and furniture, allowing them to hitch a ride home with you.

1. Despite the itchy, red bites they leave, bed bugs are not known to carry diseases. So, there’s your silver lining.