Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs are among the most frustrating pests a homeowner may encounter.
Bed bugs are among the most frustrating pests a homeowner may encounter. They are challenging to eliminate and can also be highly uncomfortable. In addition, those dealing with a bed bug infestation may wonder where these unpleasant insects originate and where they typically hide. Unfortunately, bed bugs can come from various sources, making them difficult to prevent.
Origin of bed bugs
While science isn’t certain about the exact origins of bed bugs, experts believe humans have dealt with them since they were cave-dwellers. One theory suggests that bats who lived in the same caves as early humans of the Middle East and the Mediterranean contributed to the spread of bed bug ancestors. In addition, all early “old world” civilizations recorded dealing with this persistent pest.
In the 1940s, DDT pesticides proved an effective way to fight bed bug infestation.
Bed bug hiding places
Bed bugs are small, brown, flat, and wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They’re usually active at night and hide in dark, secluded areas during the day. Bed bugs often reside in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. However, they can sometimes hide in other furniture, such as couches, chairs, and dressers.
It’s also possible to find them in carpeting and hidden away in clothes, especially after returning from travels.
Factors that attract bed bugs
Bed bugs are attracted to warm bodies and the carbon dioxide humans exhale. Unfortunately, they can also travel long distances, so even if a person’s never had them in the home, there could still be a risk of intrusion.
Signs of bed bug infestation
One of the common signs of a bed bug infestation is bites. Bed bugs bite humans on the face, neck, arms, or hands. These bites can be red and itchy and often appear in a linear pattern or cluster.
A person might also see actual bed bugs or their eggs in the home. Bed bug eggs are small, white, and oval-shaped. They usually hide inside mattresses, bedding, or furniture. Headboards and bed notches should be the first places to check when searching for bed bugs, as it’s easy for them to crawl in and hide there.
Contact a professional
If there is evidence that a home might be facing a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to call a professional exterminator. These insects are difficult to eliminate without professional equipment and skill, so seeking expert inspection and elimination will ensure they are gone for good.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.
