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How Did I Get Bed Bugs

How Did I Get Bed Bugs
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Philadelphia makes the top 50 list of  cities in the U.S. with the worst bed bug infestations. But even if your area didn't make the top 50, that doesn't mean you're safe. 

Unfortunately, until we get a bed bug infestation, most of us are ignorant about them. It's only then that we wonder what causes bed bugs and where do bed bugs come from. 

Knowing the answers can help prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. The bed bug control experts at Viking Pest want to educate residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware about bed bug biology and how infestations can start at your home or business.  

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about bed bugs. 

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs are found in all 50 states. And while you often hear about bed bug infestations in hotels, that's not the only place you'll find them.

You can't avoid them entirely because they're found everywhere such as:

  • Public transportation
  • Office buildings
  • Federal buildings
  • Schools
  • Libraries
  • Theaters
  • Work

They're even found in homes. 

How Does a Bed Bug Infestation Start?

Unlike some other bugs, it's not dirt or even clutter that attract bed bugs. However, both will hide the infestation longer. 

Bed bugs even exist in seemingly pristine environments. A bed bug infestation can start at your New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Delaware home or business by visiting public spaces such as movie theatres, or by using public transport such as buses and airplanes. The more you travel and pass through high-traffic public areas, the greater the chance a bed bug infestation may begin.  

Bed Bugs Can Fit Practically Anywhere

Bed-Bug-vector-art-2

Thanks to their uniquely flattened and small round body, these pests can hide nearly anywhere they can manage to squeeze themselves, explain the bed bug control experts at Viking Pest. That includes fabrics such as your:

  • Mattresses
  • Luggage
  • Furniture

Bed bugs can even hitch a ride on your clothing. They'll drop off once they find a suitable host area such as your bedroom. 

Once settled, bed bugs establish large populations. Usually fairly quickly. 


What Can Bed Bugs Do?

There's a reason behind the saying, "Good night, sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite."

Because besides the fact that bed bugs are gross, they also feed on humans. Bed bugs have a small tube-like structure called a proboscis that pierces the skin and drinks human blood. 

Bed bugs are most active when we're asleep because humans tend to remain still in their sleep allowing bed bugs to continuously feed without disruption from swatting arms. 

Bed Bug Bites

The only way we know bed bugs are feasting on us are blood marks on the bed and/or some type of skin irritation such as:

  • Itchiness
  • A burning painful sensation
  • Raised itchy pumps with clear centers
  • Small red bumps or welts in a line or zigzag pattern
  • Small red bumps surrounded by hives or blisters

In some cases, a bite can cause severe reactions such as a swollen tongue or irregular heartbeat. 

Living With Bed Bugs

While it's a hassle getting rid of bed bugs, taking no action is worse. You're more likely to get an infection from the bites because your skin's surface is being compromised on a nightly basis. 

Knowing that you'll be bitten will make it harder to sleep. Not getting enough sleep compromises your immune system. 

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

You should first familiarize yourself with what a bed bug infestation looks like. The pest control experts at Viking Pest state a few things you might notice around your home that indicates a possible bed bug infestation:

  • Bed bugs
  • Their shed skins
  • Their droppings
  • Bloodstains on sheets

Check your mattress seams and other items around your bedroom to ensure you're bed bug-free. 

Use Caution With Used Furniture

Never bring home bed frames, mattresses, box springs or furniture found on the street to use in your NJ, PA, MD, or DE home or office. They're likely infested. 

If you buy, rent or borrow furniture check for bed bugs. That includes wood furniture. Check the cracks for them. 

Check Your Hotel Room Before You Settle In

The bed bug control experts at Viking Pest recommend always checking hotel and motel rooms before you stay in them. Even the fanciest hotels can be riddled with them. 

Never place luggage on the floor. Always inspect the mattress, headboard, and box spring for bed bugs before settling in for the evening. 

At Home

If you believe you've been in the presence of bed bugs, before entering your home, carefully inspect your clothing and other belongings. Launder any items you find bed bugs on the highest heat setting the fabric allows or place in a plastic bag until you can treat the problem. 

Seal any cracks and crevices in your bedroom with caulk, even if you don't currently and have never had bed bugs. By sealing your baseboards, window frames, and doors, you can eliminate places bed bugs and other pests like to hide. 

Invest in Bed Bug Prevention Covers

It's a good investment to purchase the following to help bed bugs from climbing into bed with you:

  • Bed bug mattress cover
  • Box spring encasement
  • Bed bug pillow covers

Learn More About Our Home Protection Plans

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

If you do find you have bed bugs, call the bed bug control experts at Viking Pest. Our certified pest management professionals will fully inspect your NJ, PA, MD, or DE home or business for signs of bed bug activity. If bed bug activity is found, our pest management professionals will recommend either heat or material bed bug treatment to completely eradicate bed bugs from your residence or business. 

Contact Us

It's less important to know the answer to "where do bed bugs come from" than it is to know who to call when they infest your home. And that's us. 

We're the number one choice in pest control for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. Get a Fast, Free estimate online, or call us today at 800-618-2847 to learn more about our bed bug treatment options. 

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