Have any of our households been infected with creatures known as bed bugs? Most of us who had bad encounters with bed bugs normally do not even know the behaviour of this pest. The typical bed bugs that we can find domestically in houses, hotels or dormitories are Cimex Lectularius which are very good at adapting with human environment.
Bed bugs of this type are the best creature that could turn your lovely little home into their own territory. They will infest all the things you love most like your gate to dreamland; the bed and of course, your cosy sofa where you relax all your muscles after a hard day's work.
Bed bugs, being nocturnal insects, work really hard during the night. Therefore they prefer to avoid the light and lay low during the day. So having to deal with them all night long might not be a pleasant experience at all since you might need to adjust your body clock to be able to do that.
On top of that, they are not really friendly creatures as well, not even social insects if you ask me. Though they do move about and settle in groups, they could as well be found lying around by themselves; on their own and alone.
As these nocturnal bugs are human blood suckers, they are easily attracted towards body heat and carbon dioxide, not dirt or junks from garbage cans as people usually thought about other pests. In other words, if you maintain a good housekeeping practice, this might help reducing bed bugs' risks and avoid severe infestation.
However, it is not what it takes to keep them away, since they want your blood, not your mess or waste. Spring cleaning is the first step to get rid of them but you need more than that to free your dwellings of them. They normally feed themselves at dawn but that does not mean they will not sting you at other times so always make sure that you are protected all the time.
Bed bugs only seek blood every five to ten days and could remarkably survive for 12-18 months without feeding. It seems that these nasty little creatures are far tougher than they seemed to be. Although they usually remain close to the hosts, bed bugs also travel freely from one spot to another.
Hence, it will not be so surprising if you actually brought them home from hotels, motels or other places infested by them. This is so true, especially if you brought home any bedding materials or furniture with you. That's why once these bed bugs are spotted or felt (from the bed bug bites on your body) you might need to check out other possible areas they could be crawling to in order to clear any infestation and stop them from coming back to your households.
You might also wonder, how many eggs could a female bed bug produce? It's normally in the range between 5 a day and up to 500 eggs in her whole lifetime. The eggs hatch after one to two weeks and the hatchlings might take up to 5 weeks later to reach maturity where they will become reproductive.
Be warned though; do not underestimate these young bed bugs for they need to feed immediately after hatching, and that means you are their targets. So keep an eye on your households, in case these creatures are lurking around and just waiting for the right moment to attack.
Related Articles
Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite!
By: Alexandria Anderson | 27/07/2007 | Health
If your parent or grandparent ever tucked you in at night, you may have heard this common, yet somewhat curious, chant. Most children never see or hear of bedbugs and never have any idea what their ridiculous parents are talking about, drifting off to sleep without any concern of the attack of the so-called ‘bedbugs’.
But, what they are blissfully unaware of is that there actually are bedbugs, scientific name cimex lectularius, and they would love to dine on the delicate flesh of a tender young offspring, if given the chance.
Bed Bugs - How To Travel Without Getting Them
By: Timothy Russell | 02/03/2008 | Health
Here are some tips to aviod getting stung. Also, how not to bring them home.
How To Cure Bed Bug Bites
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 02/06/2008 | Health
Dealing with bed bug bites can be a nightmare for most of us. Having to bear the itchiness and bite marks make this an unforgettable experience for those who are pestered with these creatures in their households. This article discusses several steps that can be taken to treat and cure those nasty bites.
What Happens When Bed Bug Bites?
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 02/06/2008 | Health
We only realized that we are bitten by bed bugs when we feel the uncomfortable feeling of itchiness that spreads all over our body in the morning, as well as those nasty red marks. Do we know what happens when bed bug bites? It is all explained in this article.
Do You Have Bed Bug Infestation And Not Know It?
By: Bill Urell | 28/08/2006 | Health
That rash or lack of sleep could be caused by bed bugs.Many people do not even realize that they have a problem with these small critters at first.
They're Baacck! Once Nearly Eradicated, Bed Bugs Are Back With a Vengeance
By: Thomas Salathe | 04/12/2006 | Health
Once thought to be eradicated, bed bugs are back with a vengeance. Even the most upmarket residence or person, can harbour bed bugs. Learn the important basics in this article.
What the Hospitality Industry Needs to Know About the Bed Bug Threat
By: Douglas Stern | 23/04/2008 | Ask an Expert
The old adage there’s no such thing as bad publicity doesn’t carry any credence with hoteliers. They know that even a whispered rumor can have a disastrous effect on business. A bed bug problem can be posted all over the Internet quashing hotel bookings and keeping guests away. Hotel and motel managers need to know what to do about bed bugs and how real the threat is.
Mattress Covers: Prevent Asthma And Allergies In Your Kids
By: Ben Anton | 06/06/2008 | Home and Family
There's nothing more frightening for new parents than the thought that their child may be sick. While most parents do well keeping their child away from common cold and flu germs, not everyone takes into account the affect household allergens may have on a newborn. Common respiratory symptoms such as...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Bed bugs
By: chamilton26 | 21-07-2008
Can ddt kill bed bugs
Q&A Powered by:
More from Ahmad Abdullah
Top Beautiful Island Destinations in Malaysia
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 18/07/2008 | Destinations
A trip to Malaysia will not be complete without walking barefooted on the sandy beaches of Malaysia's most beautiful islands. This article listed down Malaysia's top island destinations that should be on your list for your next trip to Malaysia
The Advantages Of Using Disposable Contact Lenses
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 18/07/2008 | Health
Contact lenses come in different types and styles. One of the most popular ones are the disposable contact lenses. Wearing disposable contact lenses has several advantages over other types of contact lenses. This article shares some of the advantages for the readers to make their choice.
Finding The Best Beach House In Hawaii
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 16/07/2008 | Destinations
Finding the best beach house in Hawaii is important so as not to spoil your dream vacation. This article shares some tips on how to find the best beach house in your next trip to Hawaii
The Best Money Making Methods In Final Fantasy 12
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 11/07/2008 | Computer Games
Money is crucial in any RPG games as it allows you to buy more powerful weapons and accessories. This article shares the best money making methods for you to survive in Final Fantasy 12
Getting A New Kitchen Without A Heavy Renovation
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 09/07/2008 | Interior Design
Getting a new look for your kitchen does not always mean you need a heavy renovation. This article shares some tips on giving your kitchen a facelift and transforming it into your dream kitchen
Tips on Getting The Zodiac Spear For Final Fantasy 12
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 07/07/2008 | Computer Games
The Zodiac Spear is the strongest weapon in Final Fantasy 12. However getting it is not as easy as one might think. This article reveals the tips on getting the Zodiac Spear for your Final Fantasy character.
Choosing The Right Material And Style For Your Kitchen Cabinets
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 13/06/2008 | Interior Design
There a wide range of materials and styles for kitchen cabinets in the current market. This article highlights the types of materials and styles to consider in choosing the right one for your dream kitchen.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying Airline Tickets Online
By: Ahmad Abdullah | 12/06/2008 | Flights
Nowadays people tend to buy everything online and that includes buying airline tickets for their travel arrangement. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of buying airline tickets online.
Home and Family 
