Where Else Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Contrary to their name, bed bugs can be found in any place humans spend time since they are attracted to heat and blood. Evidence of this is found throughout Canada, in homes and offices, even in hospitals.

Bed bugs ranked number one on the list of Top 10 Pests of the Year according to the National Pest Management Association.

How do these bloodsuckers get around and spread so easily? They are skilled hitchhikers, able to hitch a ride on personal belongings, like luggage or a purse. Once inside, a single female can produce one to five eggs each day and can live for up to a year without a meal.

“Bed bugs can be hard to detect because they are a small, nocturnal pest, about the size of an apple seed and mainly come out at night to feed,” says Alice Sinia, Ph.D., a resident entomologist. “Taking proactive measures to protect your home can help limit your risk of an infestation.”

Experts recommend these tips to help detect their presence in your home or while traveling.

• Regularly check locations where bed bugs hide during the day, including furniture, mattress seams and bed sheets, as well as behind baseboards, electrical outlets and picture frames.

• Look for small red or brown spots on sheets while traveling.

• Examine your luggage while repacking and once you return home from a trip.

While bed bugs are not known to spread human diseases, their bites can cause itchy red welts and swelling. This resilient pest is hard to control, so contact your local pest management provider if you suspect bed bug activity.

newscanada.com