Best10Mattress is supported by our readers. We may earn commission on purchases w/ our links.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

Key Takeaways

Bed bugs might be small, flat insects that range in colour from reddish-brown to dark brown, but they sure pack a punch! These nocturnal parasites feed on human blood and can cause red welts and intense itching. So where do bed bugs actually come from?

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs aren't attracted to dirt or filth. Instead, they're attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, and the scent of human blood - things we all naturally emit! Bed bugs aren't picky about where they live either; you can find them lurking in homes, hotels, apartments, dorms, shelters, and even public transportation.

One of the most common ways for bed bugs to enter a home is through infested furniture or clothing. This can happen when someone buys used furniture or brings home a suitcase from a hotel room that has bed bugs. Once inside the home, bed bugs can quickly spread to other areas of the house by scurrying through walls or electrical outlets.

Another way that these pesky critters make their way into your home is by hitching a ride on pets or people. If you visit an infested area like a hotel room or friend's house and then bring back some unwelcome guests with you in your luggage or clothing.

It doesn't matter if you live in spotless five-star hotels or homeless shelters; bed bugs thrive in many different environments so keeping an immaculate home won't necessarily prevent them from popping up.

If you suspect that you have a bed bug problem in your home it's important not to waste any time getting help from professional pest control companies who can provide specific advice and assistance tailored to your situation. Replacing your mattress may also help significantly reduce the problem but it's always best to consult the experts who understand each individual case uniquely.

Where Do Bed Bugs Originally Come From And How Did They Spread Worldwide?

Bed bugs originated from the Middle East and have been around for thousands of years. They were brought to the United States by early colonizers and were a common pest until pesticide use became widespread in the 1940s. However, bed bugs have made a comeback in recent years due to increased travel and resistance to pesticides.

Bed bugs can easily spread worldwide by hitching a ride on luggage, clothing, and other items. They are commonly found in hotels, apartments, and homes, but can also be found in schools, offices, and transportation vehicles.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, act quickly to prevent further infestations. Inspect your bedding and furniture for signs of bed bugs, wash and dry any potentially infested items on high heat, and contact a pest control professional for assistance.

It is important to note that bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene and can happen to anyone. By taking proactive measures and being aware of the risks, you can help prevent the spread of bed bugs and keep your home and belongings safe.

Are There Natural Ways To Prevent Bed Bugs From Infesting Your Home?

Preventing bed bugs from infesting your home naturally is possible. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oils are effective in repelling bed bugs. You can also use diatomaceous earth, a natural substance that can dry out and kill bed bugs. Additionally, regularly vacuuming and washing your bedding in hot water can prevent bed bugs from multiplying.

To further prevent bed bugs, inspect secondhand furniture and clothing for any signs of live bugs, shed skins, or dark fecal spots. Lastly, if you find bed bugs in your home, contact a pest control professional immediately to treat the infestation.

By using natural preventative measures and being vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of bed bug infestations in your home.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

How Can You Identify Bed Bugs And Differentiate Them From Other Common Household Pests?

To identify bed bugs, look for small reddish-brown bugs about the size of an apple seed or small lentil. They often hide in the seams of mattresses, box springs, and bed frames or in cracks and crevices around the room. Bed bugs do not fly or jump, but they can crawl quickly and easily. To differentiate bed bugs from other pests, look for small, dark stains or spots on mattresses and bedding, shed skins or eggshells on or near your mattress, and a sweet, musty odor. Unlike fleas, bed bugs do not have hind legs that are larger and stronger than their front legs, and unlike spiders, bed bugs do not have eight legs. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control professional for help with recommended treatment options.

Related Content:

Can Bed Bugs Survive Extreme Temperatures Or Do They Require Specific Conditions To Thrive?

Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of because they can survive in a wide range of temperatures. Although bed bugs can survive in temperatures between 46°F and 113°F, they prefer temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. Bed bugs also need a host to feed on regularly to reproduce and survive.

Extreme heat, around 120°F, can kill bed bugs in all life stages, including eggs, but it requires sustained exposure for at least 30 minutes. Extreme cold, around -4°F, can also kill bed bugs, but it requires exposure for at least 80 hours. However, exposing your home to extreme temperatures is not a reliable method for eradicating bed bugs.

A professional extermination using a combination of heat treatments, pesticides, and thorough cleaning is often necessary to get rid of bed bugs. If you suspect you have bed bugs, contact a pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment plan. Avoid bringing secondhand furniture or clothing into your home without thoroughly inspecting them first, as these items can also harbor bed bugs. Stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect yourself from bed bug infestations.

What Steps Can You Take To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Once You'Ve Identified An Infestation?

If you've identified a bed bug infestation, immediate action is necessary to eliminate the issue. First, wash all clothing, bedding, and linens in hot water and dry on high heat. Vacuum all surfaces including floors, walls, and furniture, paying close attention to cracks and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use.

Next, consider using a bed bug mattress cover to prevent any remaining bugs from getting into the bed. Use a residual insecticide spray to treat areas where bed bugs have been identified, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.

It's important to note that treating a bed bug infestation is complex and may require multiple treatments. For severe infestations, consult with a professional exterminator for effective removal.

Take preventative measures to avoid future infestations such as regularly inspecting and cleaning luggage and clothing after traveling, and sealing cracks and crevices in your home. With diligence and perseverance, you can successfully rid your home of bed bugs and prevent future infestations.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From

Why you can trust Best 10 Mattress? We spend hours analyzing, compiling and fact-checking all up-to-date information online, so you can be sure you’re reading accurate and trustworthy information.

Best 10’s Verdict

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare.

Pros

  • rthrthfwew wef wefwefw wefwefwefwef wefwef
  • etgerg
  • rthrth
  • rhrtr

Cons

  • rthrth wefw ef wef wefwef wef wefwef wef
  • etgerg
  • rthrth
  • rhrtr

Bed bugs might be small, flat insects that range in colour from reddish-brown to dark brown, but they sure pack a punch! These nocturnal parasites feed on human blood and can cause red welts and intense itching. So where do bed bugs actually come from?

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs aren't attracted to dirt or filth. Instead, they're attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, and the scent of human blood - things we all naturally emit! Bed bugs aren't picky about where they live either; you can find them lurking in homes, hotels, apartments, dorms, shelters, and even public transportation.

One of the most common ways for bed bugs to enter a home is through infested furniture or clothing. This can happen when someone buys used furniture or brings home a suitcase from a hotel room that has bed bugs. Once inside the home, bed bugs can quickly spread to other areas of the house by scurrying through walls or electrical outlets.

Another way that these pesky critters make their way into your home is by hitching a ride on pets or people. If you visit an infested area like a hotel room or friend's house and then bring back some unwelcome guests with you in your luggage or clothing.

It doesn't matter if you live in spotless five-star hotels or homeless shelters; bed bugs thrive in many different environments so keeping an immaculate home won't necessarily prevent them from popping up.

If you suspect that you have a bed bug problem in your home it's important not to waste any time getting help from professional pest control companies who can provide specific advice and assistance tailored to your situation. Replacing your mattress may also help significantly reduce the problem but it's always best to consult the experts who understand each individual case uniquely.

Where Do Bed Bugs Originally Come From And How Did They Spread Worldwide?

Bed bugs originated from the Middle East and have been around for thousands of years. They were brought to the United States by early colonizers and were a common pest until pesticide use became widespread in the 1940s. However, bed bugs have made a comeback in recent years due to increased travel and resistance to pesticides.

Bed bugs can easily spread worldwide by hitching a ride on luggage, clothing, and other items. They are commonly found in hotels, apartments, and homes, but can also be found in schools, offices, and transportation vehicles.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, act quickly to prevent further infestations. Inspect your bedding and furniture for signs of bed bugs, wash and dry any potentially infested items on high heat, and contact a pest control professional for assistance.

It is important to note that bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene and can happen to anyone. By taking proactive measures and being aware of the risks, you can help prevent the spread of bed bugs and keep your home and belongings safe.

Are There Natural Ways To Prevent Bed Bugs From Infesting Your Home?

Preventing bed bugs from infesting your home naturally is possible. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oils are effective in repelling bed bugs. You can also use diatomaceous earth, a natural substance that can dry out and kill bed bugs. Additionally, regularly vacuuming and washing your bedding in hot water can prevent bed bugs from multiplying.

To further prevent bed bugs, inspect secondhand furniture and clothing for any signs of live bugs, shed skins, or dark fecal spots. Lastly, if you find bed bugs in your home, contact a pest control professional immediately to treat the infestation.

By using natural preventative measures and being vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of bed bug infestations in your home.

How Can You Identify Bed Bugs And Differentiate Them From Other Common Household Pests?

To identify bed bugs, look for small reddish-brown bugs about the size of an apple seed or small lentil. They often hide in the seams of mattresses, box springs, and bed frames or in cracks and crevices around the room. Bed bugs do not fly or jump, but they can crawl quickly and easily. To differentiate bed bugs from other pests, look for small, dark stains or spots on mattresses and bedding, shed skins or eggshells on or near your mattress, and a sweet, musty odor. Unlike fleas, bed bugs do not have hind legs that are larger and stronger than their front legs, and unlike spiders, bed bugs do not have eight legs. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control professional for help with recommended treatment options.

Can Bed Bugs Survive Extreme Temperatures Or Do They Require Specific Conditions To Thrive?

Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of because they can survive in a wide range of temperatures. Although bed bugs can survive in temperatures between 46°F and 113°F, they prefer temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. Bed bugs also need a host to feed on regularly to reproduce and survive.

Extreme heat, around 120°F, can kill bed bugs in all life stages, including eggs, but it requires sustained exposure for at least 30 minutes. Extreme cold, around -4°F, can also kill bed bugs, but it requires exposure for at least 80 hours. However, exposing your home to extreme temperatures is not a reliable method for eradicating bed bugs.

A professional extermination using a combination of heat treatments, pesticides, and thorough cleaning is often necessary to get rid of bed bugs. If you suspect you have bed bugs, contact a pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment plan. Avoid bringing secondhand furniture or clothing into your home without thoroughly inspecting them first, as these items can also harbor bed bugs. Stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect yourself from bed bug infestations.

What Steps Can You Take To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Once You'Ve Identified An Infestation?

If you've identified a bed bug infestation, immediate action is necessary to eliminate the issue. First, wash all clothing, bedding, and linens in hot water and dry on high heat. Vacuum all surfaces including floors, walls, and furniture, paying close attention to cracks and crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use.

Next, consider using a bed bug mattress cover to prevent any remaining bugs from getting into the bed. Use a residual insecticide spray to treat areas where bed bugs have been identified, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.

It's important to note that treating a bed bug infestation is complex and may require multiple treatments. For severe infestations, consult with a professional exterminator for effective removal.

Take preventative measures to avoid future infestations such as regularly inspecting and cleaning luggage and clothing after traveling, and sealing cracks and crevices in your home. With diligence and perseverance, you can successfully rid your home of bed bugs and prevent future infestations.