How much do you really know about bed bugs? Yes, everybody knows that they’re a pest control nightmare and that their bites can be incredibly itchy. But beyond their blood-thirsty diet and the obvious source of their name, how much do you really know about these fascinating insects?

Some people are just plain grossed out by pests, while others are intrigued. We’re going to share some of the stranger, more surprising facts about bed bugs. Even if you can’t appreciate them during an infestation, then at the very least you might be able to respect them for their unique tendencies. 

Their Bites Are Pretty Advanced

What lengths have you gone to in the past not to ruin a meal? Even worse, what lengths have you gone to trying not to get caught doing something you maybe shouldn’t be doing? Bed bugs do both regularly, and over time they’ve developed an ingenious way of feeding.

When bed bugs feed it isn’t a hustle. They take their time to make sure that their host doesn’t wake up. When night falls and you are asleep, they’ll crawl out of their hiding place. Rather than jumping, flying or creating any havoc, they’ll slowly work their way along your skin in an orderly fashion. Every few steps they’ll stop for another meal.

As they feed, they inject their saliva into your blood to prevent blood clots from forming. They’ll also inject you with an anesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain from their bite.

When you wake up in the morning, you’ll find a small red mark which is unbearably itchy, but no sign of the bug that caused it. Unfortunate for us, but very clever from the bug.

Bed Bugs Have Been Around for a While

Did you think that bed bugs were a new problem? They’ve been around for quite some time. Fossils have been discovered which suggests that bed bugs were around as far back as 3,500 years ago. Ancient Egyptians and Romans even tried to use the pests as part of ancient medication. 

Bed Bugs Can Hitch a Ride 

Can they fly? Nope. What about jumping large distances like fleas? No again. Instead, bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They quickly scurry, run and attach themselves to luggage, clothing and even wallets. This unique skill helps them spread their colonies to new locations around the world. 

Incredible Reproduction Rates 

Bed bugs, like other pests, will use pheromones to communicate with one another. These are chemical trails left behind detailing particular information. They’re essential for the breeding patterns of bed bugs.

After mating, a female bed bug can lay up to 5 eggs a day. Over their lifetime, these bugs can lay an astonishing 500 eggs. They’re super-fast breeders and once bed bugs make their way into your home, they’ll quickly take over.

An Unwanted Return 

Did you know that in the early 90s, bed bugs were thought to be near the point of extinction? Their numbers were so low that they weren’t considered a serious pest control problem.

Fast forward to today: bed bug numbers have never been higher. The world is currently suffering a bed bug epidemic, and it’s only getting worse. New species of bed bug are pesticide-resistant and with more budget flight options, more people are traveling the world than ever before. Bed bugs have rarely had so many opportunities to spread their colonies.

Even if you’re repulsed to find them in your home, hopefully, you can now at least appreciate some of the ingenious habits of these intelligent pests. If you suspect you have a bed bug problem within your home, please get in contact with Truly Nolen today.