10 Facts About Bedbugs You Might Want to Know

Last Updated on 2023-04-07 , 11:25 am

Picture this: it’s nighttime, and as you prepare to drift off into a peaceful slumber, you’re suddenly reminded of a peculiar saying your beloved uncle or auntie used to whisper in your ear: “Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

As a child, this cryptic phrase left you puzzled, prompting a thorough investigation of your bed before you dared to snuggle under the covers.

Alas, despite your best efforts, the true meaning of those words remained a mystery.

Until one fateful night when you were rudely awakened by an intense itchiness that felt like a swarm of 20 mosquitoes had just feasted upon your skin.

In that moment, you finally understood the ominous warning about bedbugs, and you became all too aware of their irritating presence.

But what are these minuscule menaces, and what do we really know about them? Here are 10 fascinating facts that will either intrigue or repulse you (or perhaps a bit of both).

But first, for those who prefer a more visual experience, we’ve created a video on this topic, so head on over to our YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe for more educational and entertaining content!

The Smell of Doom: What’s Behind That Stench?

If you’ve ever caught a whiff of a distinctive musky odor and wondered what it was, brace yourself: it might just be a bedbug infestation! The foul smell emanates from their excrement, so feel free to let out a shudder of disgust.

Unexpected Crime Scene Heroes

You might be surprised to learn that bedbugs have a rather unique talent: since they feast on human blood, they can provide crucial DNA evidence at crime scenes. Who knew these tiny pests could be so useful?

Bedbugs: The Ultimate Survivors

Contrary to popular belief, bedbugs aren’t limited to dingy motels and budget accommodations. They’re known to thrive in a wide range of environments, including hospitals, dorms, schools, offices, airplanes, and pretty much anywhere humans can be found.

Disease-Free, But a Nuisance Nonetheless

Thankfully, bedbugs haven’t been linked to any harmful diseases like mosquitoes or flies. However, their bites can cause itchy red bumps on your skin, and some doctors have noted that the incessant irritation can lead to mental health issues.

Nighttime Nibblers? Not Necessarily!

While bedbugs prefer to feed under the cover of darkness, they’re not opposed to biting during the day if they’re particularly hungry. So even in broad daylight, you might not be safe from their relentless appetite.

A True Test of Willpower: Fasting for 550 Days

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could survive without food or water for even a fraction of the time bedbugs can? These creatures can live up to 550 days (more than 1.5 years!) without a single drop of blood.

This means they can linger in your bed, just waiting for you to return—even after a long absence.

Heat-Resistant Pests

If you think that leaving your mattress out in the sun will vanquish these unwelcome visitors, think again. Bedbugs can survive in extreme temperatures, ranging from 0 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Your best bet for eradicating them is to call in the pros: pest control experts.

Masters of Camouflage

These sneaky pests are experts at staying hidden during the day, taking refuge in furniture joints, wall cracks, and even picture frames. Keep an eye out for their telltale black fecal spots, and if you spot any, call in the cavalry to handle the situation.

Home Remedies Don’t Work With Them

Seriously, don’t even bother. Just call a pest control company, because remember: even if you think you’ve cleared them all, they might come back 1.5 years later because one bugger is hiding somewhere.

They Increase in Numbers LIKE THAT

Bedbugs are known to add up to four generations of bugs in a year. The female lays one to five eggs each day. Now you know why as the days go by, the bites become more and more!

If you see even the slightest inkling of a bedbug bite, get it handled ASAP. You don’t wanna get bitten by mini-vampire every day now, do you?