If you were given a choice to sleep in a bed full of bugs or a bed full of mud, which would you choose? Most people would choose the mud because sleeping while dirty is a lot easier than sleeping with the knowledge that tiny insects will be crawling over you while you are asleep, assuming you ever get to sleep. Keeping all this in mind, we are here today because bugs are getting into people’s beds in Raleigh and disturbing their sleep. If you have never heard of bed bugs or are looking for a good way to keep them out of your living areas, here is a helpful prevention guide for you to use.
Why Bed Bugs Drink Blood
Bed bugs share beds with humans. The question is, why? Like fleas and ticks, bed bugs require blood to survive. Earlier stages of these pests (nymphs), both male and female, feed once a week. They do this to aid them through each of their stages of development, of which there are five. Once they reach adulthood, bed bugs continue to feed once a week to aid in egg production. Something you should know, however, is that bed bugs do not die if they don’t feed for a week. They don’t even die after a month of not feeding. If necessary, a bed bug will hide for over a year without a blood meal and be absolutely fine. This makes eliminating infestations incredibly difficult.
Some Bed Bug Hot Spots
If you didn’t know, bed bugs exclusively live inside with people. These small pests are not capable of surviving long periods outdoors in the elements. Keeping this in mind, and the fact that bed bugs need blood to survive, here are a few areas you might find these pests.
- Hospitals: Although hospitals are known for being clean, bed bugs are regularly brought in by patients. If an infestation is not handled quickly, bed bugs will spread between rooms, sometimes going home with other patients.
- Hotels: Hotels are hotspots for bed bug activity as they host various people daily. If you rent a room for the night and the last residents were carrying bed bugs, you could be at risk yourself.
- Airports: Bed bugs use items like luggage to get around. If you plan on traveling, keep this in mind. These small pests have no problem leaving one item to crawl onto another while in public.
Strategies To Avoid Bed Bugs
When it comes to avoiding bed bugs, there are two things you should know. The first is what signs they leave behind, such as bloodstains on bed covers, small reddish-black fecal droppings, tiny cream-colored eggs, shed skins, and a musty odor in the air. The second thing you should know is what strategies will help you avoid bed bugs. Some of the best strategies involve checking hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before settling in, storing used clothing inside airtight bags when away from home, and teaching your family and friends how to find bed bugs inside their homes.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Invade Your Home
In all honesty, bed bugs are not easy pests to avoid. If, despite your best efforts, these pests find their way into your living areas, do not hesitate to call in a professional. At Pest & Termite Consultants, we offer reliable solutions to bed bug infestations.
Do not let these pests ruin your rest. Give our team a call today and find an answer to give bed bugs the boot from your Raleigh home.