BED BUGS: THE YEAR-ROUND PEST

We’ve said it before and we will say it again. Everyone is capable of getting bed bugs! This week, June 3 to June 9, is Bed Bug Awareness Week according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Throughout the summer, bed bug infestations tend to spike due to increased travel. Whether you are traveling or hosting travelers make sure to be aware of the potential for an infestation. Here are some reasons why bed bugs are prevalent year round. 

1. Bed bugs can live anywhere.
   Many people are unaware that the risk for getting bed bugs is present all around them. Most would agree bed bugs are most commonly found in hotels/motels, but they don’t know that they could just as easily find bed bugs on their way to work or in their leisure time. From schools, public transit, and movie theaters, to hospitals, stores, and other shopping locations, bed bugs are master hitchhikers and can easily make it beyond the bedroom.
2. Bed bugs are not just city dwellers.
   Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not located in only big cities or third-world countries. They are found in all 50 states and will survive in any home whether it is clean or dirty. Bed bugs are far from picky but the reasoning why bed bug populations are three times higher in urban areas than in rural areas is due to a variety of factors, such as larger population size, apartment living, and increased mobility.
3. Bed bugs are resourceful.
   Bed bugs will hide any place they can find and may linger in furniture, bags, and suitcases for a long time until they are near a human host. In fact, bed bugs can live for several months without a blood meal. In addition, bed bugs can survive temperatures of nearly freezing all the way up to 122 degrees F. Due to their resourceful nature and extreme living conditions, these pests are often impossible to treat with DIY measures, so hiring a professional is always your best bet.
4. Bed bug bites look like many other insect bites.
   It is difficult to tell a bed bug bite from a spider or mosquito bite, but one clue to bed bug bites is their signature cluster of bites. Commonly, a single bed bug will feed at one spot, then move about an inch to feed, then move again and feed. Even then, it is still not a reliable way to determine whether your bites are from bed bugs until an actual bug or infestation is identified. Beware though – only 40-50% of people will even react to bed bug bites as not everyone is allergic to them and reactions to their bites can vary.
5. Bed bugs are sneaky about biting.
   Many wonder why a biting bed bug does not wake its human host when it feeds… Bed bugs actually have components in its saliva that acts as an anesthetic. The components promote increased blood flow at the bite site which makes the feeding process quick and nearly painless. Their initial bite does not create any discomfort at first, then as mentioned above, the reaction to their bites will vary later person by person.

If you think you have bed bugs in your home, our best advice is to not attempt in treating it alone. Hire the professionals at Black Diamond who are trained on the habits of bed bugs. Call 877-DEAD-BUG to have your home inspected by a technician.