Where do bed bugs come from? And why are they in my home? 

Bed Bugs / October 02, 2023

If you’re wondering about the origins of those pesky bed bugs that have invaded your home, you’re not alone! Bed bugs have been a source of frustration for homeowners and travellers alike, and understanding where they come from and why they’ve chosen your home as their new residence is essential to effectively combating these unwelcome guests. In this blog post, we will answer all your most pressing bed bug questions and explore the factors that can lead bed bugs to enter your home. By gaining insight into their habits you’ll be better equipped to prevent and address these nocturnal nuisances.

Summary: 

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of many animals, including humans. These insects have flat oval-shaped bodies and are brown to redish-brown colour. 

Bed bugs are primarily active at night and are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans exhale, as well as the warmth of sleeping bodies. They typically feed for several minutes before returning to their hiding places. Infestations are typically found in areas where people sleep, such as beds, mattresses, and upholstered furniture, but they can also hide in cracks and crevices throughout a room. 

Their bites can cause itchy welts on the skin, and their presence can lead to anxiety and stress. Bed bug infestations are challenging to eradicate, as they reproduce quickly and are becoming increasingly resistant to many pesticides. 

Bed Bug Close Up

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects. Their size and shape can help distinguish them from other common household pests, such as fleas or ticks. However, their ability to hide in cracks and crevices makes them expert hiders and can make them challenging to spot. 

Here’s what to look for when identifying bed bugs: 

  • Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, measuring approximately 5-10 mm in length. 
  • They have a flat, oval-shaped body, which allows them to easily hide in cracks and crevices.
  • Bed bugs can vary in colour depending on how recently they have fed.
    • When they have not fed recently they can appear translucent or brown in colour depending on their age. 
    • After a blood meal, they become engorged and turn reddish-brown, this can make them slightly larger and more noticeable.
  • Bed bugs have six legs short legs. 
  • They have two antennae on their heads, but these are not easily visible without close inspection.
  • Bed bugs are wingless insects and do not have the ability to fly or jump.

How can bed bugs get into my home?

Bed bugs typically enter homes by hitchhiking on some sort of object or person. Though their movement is limited to crawling they are adept at hiding and are often overlooked. 

Here are some common ways bed bugs can get into homes:

  • Used Furniture: Buying used furniture, particularly mattresses, couches, and upholstered items, can introduce bed bugs into a home. If the furniture was infested with bed bugs, they may still be hiding within it, ready to spread to your living space.

  • Secondhand Clothing: Bed bugs can also hide in secondhand clothing, especially if it has been stored in an infested environment or was previously owned by someone with a bed bug problem. Though thrift stores and consignment shops do their best to eliminate bed bugs there is still some level of risk when shopping at these locations. 

  • Visitors: If someone who has a bed bug infestation visits your home, they could accidentally bring bed bugs with them. Bed bugs can crawl onto their clothing or belongings and then transfer to your furniture or bedding.

  • Neighboring Infestations: In multi-unit housing, such as apartments or condominiums, bed bugs can migrate from one unit to another through wall voids, electrical outlets, and plumbing. Infestations in neighbouring units can easily spread to your home.

  • Used Books and Electronics: Bed bugs can hide in the bindings of books and in the crevices of electronics, such as laptops and gaming consoles. Purchasing used items of this nature can introduce bed bugs into your home.

  • Laundry Facilities: In shared laundry rooms or laundromats, bed bugs can crawl onto clothing, especially if infested items are placed in the same machines as your own.

How can I avoid bringing bed bugs into my home?

To reduce the risk of bed bug infestations, it’s essential to be cautious when travelling and inspect used items before bringing them into your home. If you suspect an infestation, it’s advisable to seek professional pest control assistance promptly.

How do I know if I have a bed bug problem? How do I check for bed bugs? 

To determine if you have a bed bug problem, you should look for a combination of signs and symptoms. Here are some key indicators of a bed bug infestation:

  • Bed bug bites on the body 
  • Blood stains on the mattress 
  • Black feces spots on the mattress 
  • Eggs & Molted skins on the mattress

For more details on how to perform a thorough search, check out our blog post: How to Check for Bed Bugs. 

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to take action promptly. Bed bugs can reproduce quickly, and infestations tend to worsen over time. Consider contacting a professional pest control expert to conduct a thorough inspection and develop a plan for extermination if necessary. Attempting to eliminate bed bugs on your own can be challenging and often requires specialized knowledge and treatment methods.

Terminix Tech Searching for Bed Bugs

How to get rid of bed bugs

If you suspect or confirm a bed bug infestation, it’s highly recommended to contact a licensed pest control expert with experience in bed bug eradication. Professional pest control companies have the knowledge, expertise, and specialized tools to effectively eliminate bed bugs. They can assess the extent of the infestation, determine the most appropriate treatment method, and ensure safe and thorough eradication.

Are you in need of bed bug extermination services? Terminix Canada has you covered! We use safe and non-toxic bed bug treatments to effectively eliminate bed bug populations of any size and severity. We offer expert pest & wildlife control services for both residential and commercial properties with locations across Canada including BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Call us today to get rid of your bed bug problem for good!

Bed Bug FAQs

How big are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that vary in size depending on their life stage and feeding status. Generally, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, which is approximately 5-10 mm long. They are oval-shaped and flat, which allows them to hide in cracks and crevices.

Can you see bed bugs?

While bed bugs are small they are still visible to the naked eye, especially if you know where to look. 

Do bed bugs have wings? Can bed bugs fly? 

No, bed bugs do not have wings and they cannot fly, they rely on crawling to move from place to place. 

Do bed bugs jump?

No, bed bugs cannot jump. Instead, bed bugs move by crawling and hitchhiking on luggage, clothing and other belongings. 

How long do bed bugs live?

Bed bugs can live anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on factors such as temperature, access to blood meals, and environmental conditions. 

Where do bed bugs hide? 

Bed bugs are skilled at hiding in cracks and crevices such as in and around mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. They can also hide in upholstered furniture, behind wallpaper, in electrical outlets, behind baseboards, in clothing, in luggage, and even behind picture frames or within cluttered belongings.

How long can bed bugs survive without eating? 

Bed bugs can survive for over a year without a blood meal.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Bed bug bites typically appear as small, itchy, reddish welts on the skin, often clustered together in groups or lines. They may have a linear or zigzag pattern and are commonly found on exposed skin areas. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, and the itching can vary in intensity.