Do Bed Bugs Really Exist?
WouterMany people believe that bed bugs produce a distinctive odor, but there is no such odor. In fact, the smell of bedbugs is not always present unless you are dealing with an extreme infestation. And even then, you should not rely on the smell alone. Here are a few other signs of bedbug infestations.
Bedbugs don’t transmit any diseases, but they can easily enter the home if you’re not careful. They have flattened bodies and can fit into spaces as small as the width of a credit card. And since they don’t build nests, they tend to live in groups and scatter to different areas of your home. They are most likely to be found in areas that are damp and dark.
Adult female bedbugs live for at least one year before they need to feed. The adult female will lay one or more eggs a day – anywhere from a few to dozens – and can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. The eggs are whitish in color and can be sticky. Bedbug eggs hatch in about a week when kept at room temperature. The newly emerged bedbugs are small and can shed their skin five times before they reach adulthood.
If you notice any signs of bedbugs, the first step is to call a professional pest control company. It is essential to hire a professional who has experience in treating bedbugs, as over-the-counter products are unlikely to have any lasting effect. After the professional treatment, you should continue monitoring the home for bugs. It is important to keep clutter at bay and to vacuum previously infested areas regularly.
