Did you know that there are more insects than humans on earth? Allegedly, there are more than 10 quintillions at any time!
Fortunately, most of them are harmless. In fact, some can even be beneficial! Take ladybugs,
Did you know that there are more insects than humans on earth? Allegedly, there are more than 10 quintillions at any time!
Fortunately, most of them are harmless. In fact, some can even be beneficial! Take ladybugs, for instance—they help get rid of crop-damaging aphids.
Some insects, however, are harmful. For example, it’s not uncommon for cockroaches to carry diseases.
Do you know what else is harmful? Bed bugs. While their bites are rarely dangerous, they often lead to itchy welts, which can affect your sleep.
Want to know how to prevent bed bugs? If so, you’re on the right page—because that’s what we’re here to talk about!
Keep reading to learn more.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small reddish-brown insects that feast on the blood of humans or animals. Nocturnal eaters, they rarely come out during the day.
As it is, they can live in any area of the home. For example, it’s not uncommon for them to gather in the crevices of bed frames. You might also find them in the edges of carpet, curtains, or dressers.
With how flat their bodies are, they can easily hide in small locations as well such as in electrical outlets.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
The faster you treat an infestation, the easier it will be. Given that, you want to familiarize yourself with the signs.
The first thing that you want to look for is shed skin. An immature nymph will shed their skin several times before reaching adulthood.
Another thing to pay attention to is fecal matter—they’ll look like small black dots. They’re typically first noticed on mattresses and areas bed bugs tend to congregate in.
There might also be blood spots on your sheets or pillowcases. In some cases, they might appear as smears.
Last but not least, check for eggs. White in color, they can be found in places where bed bugs can be found. To give you an idea, one pregnant female can lay up to 500 eggs during their lifetime!
Bed Bug Life Cycle
A bed bug’s life begins with an egg. They are extremely small—about the size of two grains of salt.
The eggs typically hatch within two weeks. The nymphs aka immature bed bugs will begin to feed immediately.
These young insects will molt several times before reaching maturity. Generally speaking, this occurs over a period of five weeks.
As adults, these insects make weekly feedings. They typically live anywhere from four to six months.
7 Tips on How to Prevent Bed Bugs
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