Can One Bed Bug Start an Infestation?
Bedbugs are most active at night. They feed on carbon dioxide and the warmth of the human body. They bite on exposed areas of the body, especially skin. Their bites look similar to those from other insects. Some people have reactions to bedbug bites, while others don’t notice them at all.
While it’s possible for a single bed bug to start an infestation, it’s very rare. You should make sure to check for other signs of a bed bug infestation. You may find just one bug, but if you see more than one bed bug, then you likely have an infestation.
If you find one bed bug, don’t panic! Despite their cryptic appearance, you might be safe. However, it’s important to take precautions and apply the same treatment methods you would if you had a full-blown infestation. In some cases, a single bed bug can breed into a thriving colony within just a few months.
Bed bugs typically hitchhike on clothing and luggage, and they can survive on the skin of humans. They are also known to travel up to 20 feet away from their harborage to feed. Unlike other pests, bedbugs cannot fly or jump. Therefore, they must travel by hitchhiking.