Think you know about bed bugs? Let's find out if you actually have an inkling of what they are capable of. Below are 17 facts you may not know about bed bugs.
17 facts you may not know about bed bugs:
- Bed bugs can go into a state of diapause, a form of suspended animation, in response to unfavorable conditions. During diapause, their metabolism slows down & their life cycle comes to a halt, allowing them to survive for extended periods without feeding. This adaptation enhances their ability to endure harsh environments and contributes to their resilience. Diapause, dear reader, is not a mere bug-sized nap; it's a strategic retreat into a state of suspended development. Think of it as a miniaturized version of superhero stasis, where bed bugs hit the snooze button on their life cycle, telling the world, "Hold on, I'll be back when the conditions are just right." They can do this for multiple months.
- Bed bugs have a unique ability called "traumatic insemination." In this unconventional mating process, males pierce the female's abdomen and deposit sperm directly into her body cavity. This adaptation helps them reproduce, even in challenging situations where traditional mating may be difficult.
- They're not limited to infesting bedrooms and beds; they can be found in various places such as cracks in walls, electrical outlets, and even behind picture frames. Their ability to hide in unexpected locations makes thorough inspections crucial for effective pest control.
- They have been found to have a preference for certain colors, with studies suggesting that they are more attracted to darker shades such as red and black. This color preference may influence their choice of harborage sites and hiding spots.
- Bed bugs are attracted to the pheromones emitted by their fellow bugs. This chemical communication helps them gather in hiding places, mate, and form clusters, making it more challenging to eradicate them completely. What Do Bed Bug Danger Pheromones Smell Like?
- Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs during their lifetime. The eggs are tiny and often go unnoticed, contributing to the rapid reproduction and expansion of infestations if not addressed promptly. What do bed bug eggs look like?
- Bed bugs are resilient against many common pesticides, and their resistance to certain chemicals has been increasing over time. This resistance poses challenges for effective pest control and requires innovative approaches to manage infestations. An example of an innovative approach to which they cannot gain resistance too, is heat remediation. Home Depot/ Walmart Bed Bug Sprays: Do They Work?
- BB's have a unique feeding process where they use elongated mouthparts to pierce the skin and feed on blood. During feeding, they inject saliva that contains anticoagulants, which can lead to red, itchy welts on the skin for some individuals. Half the people in the world are allergic to the anti-coagulant & half are not. How does a bed bug eat?
- Bed bugs can produce a distinct, sweet, musty odor. While humans may not always detect it, specially trained dogs can be used to sniff out these pests based on their unique scent, aiding in pest control efforts.
- They're elusive creatures that can hide in tiny cracks and crevices. They often hide during the times were active, then come out when we're being still, sitting or laying. This makes them difficult to spot and eradicate. Do bed bugs only come out at night?
- Bed bugs are known to be resilient and can withstand extreme conditions. They can survive in temperatures ranging from nearly freezing to around 122°F, making it challenging to eradicate them through temperature extremes alone. Do bed bugs hate heat?
- Another lesser-known fact about bed bugs is that they can adapt to a variety of climates, thriving in both warm and cool temperatures, which contributes to their widespread distribution around the world.
- Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, often latching onto clothes, jackets, purses, luggage, or used furniture to spread and infest new locations. It's actually normally accidental that they are transported out of a home or business. Where your bed bugs may have come from.
- These pests can survive for several months without feeding, making it challenging to eliminate them by simply avoiding an infested area for a short period. It's been said most will survive 5-7 months but they have been known to survive up to one year in optimal conditions. How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Blood?
- Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth emitted by a host, which is why they are commonly found in and around beds, couches and chairs. The furniture we're on most.
- Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not exclusive to unkept or dirty environments; they can infest even the cleanest homes, hotels, anywhere there are hosts with blood. Are bed bugs attracted to dirty or cluttered homes?
- Bed bug bites can take days to appear and may not cause immediate discomfort or any symptoms at all, making it difficult to identify an infestation until it has spread significantly. This is one many people do not realize, that they can be bit but have no symptoms. Bed Bug Feeding and Bites.
I bet you didn't know some of them:
There are many things about bed bugs the general public do not know about. You may have known some of the info above, but I bet quite a few of the 17 facts about bed bugs you may not know, surprised you.
Are you in NE Oklahoma?:
Dead Bug Walkin doesn't just write about bed bugs, we exterminate them too! We're here to help you with any bed bug related issues in NE Oklahoma. Give us a call at 918-710-7529.
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