Worried about bed bugs? Simple tips to keep your home safe
Bed bugs, small oval-shaped insects that feed on human blood, are a growing global nuisance, though they do not transmit disease.
These wingless pests are about one-eighth of an inch long and typically live near sleeping areas, usually within eight feet of beds.
Found worldwide, bed bugs can survive temperatures ranging from 46°F to 113°F. Their bites are known to cause itching and discomfort, and infestations can be difficult to eliminate.
“They crawl rather than fly, but it’s often humans that unknowingly help them travel,” according to pest control experts. Bed bugs commonly spread through clothing, furniture, and luggage, especially during travel.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
A single female can lay five to seven eggs per week, totalling over 250 in her lifetime. Eggs hatch in around 10 days, and bed bugs pass through five nymph stages before becoming adults, feeding at least once between each stage. It can take up to four months for bed bugs to reach maturity.
How They Spread
Bed bugs cannot fly or jump but crawl through walls, floors, ceilings, and pipes. Human travel significantly accelerates their spread. “People are unknowingly transporting bed bugs across homes, hotels, and public spaces,” experts warn.
Despite the risk of rapid infestations, bed bugs do not spread directly from person to person like lice. However, they can cling to clothing and bags, making human movement the main vector for transmission.
Preventing Infestations
Health experts recommend frequent inspections and several preventive steps to minimise the risk of infestations. These include:
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Keeping bedrooms free of clutter
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Avoiding secondhand furniture unless thoroughly checked
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Using protective mattress covers
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Vacuuming regularly
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Inspecting luggage and sleeping areas while travelling
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Using luggage racks in hotels
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Taking extra care when using shared laundry facilities
Sealing cracks and crevices in walls may also prevent bugs from moving between rooms and apartments.