Bedbugs are tiny insects that have been around for centuries, feeding on the blood of humans and animals. Despite their small size, these creatures have some fascinating characteristics. Let’s explore 12 intriguing facts about bedbugs!
1. Bedbugs are parasitic insects
Bedbugs are parasitic insects from the genus Cimex, who are micropredators that feed on blood, usually at night. They belong to the family Cimicidae, which consists of small parasitic bugs that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals.
2. Bedbugs can cause health problems
Bedbug bites can result in a number of health issues, including skin rashes, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. Some people may experience more severe reactions than others, depending on their sensitivity to the bugs’ saliva.
3. Early detection is key to controlling bedbugs
Early detection and treatment are critical to successful control of bedbug infestations. The longer the infestation goes unnoticed, the harder it becomes to eliminate the bugs completely.
4. Mattresses are the most common hiding spots
According to a survey, the most commonly infested places are the mattress (98.2%) and boxspring. Bedbugs prefer to hide in dark, warm, and confined spaces close to their human hosts.
5. Bedbugs can carry pathogens
Some sources have cited that bedbugs are known to carry 24 pathogens. However, the risk of transmission to humans is considered low, as they are not known to be effective disease vectors.
6. Bedbugs reproduce through traumatic insemination
Bedbugs reproduce solely by traumatic insemination, a process where the male pierces the female’s abdomen with his reproductive organ to inject sperm. To counter this, female bedbugs have evolved a pair of sperm-receptacles called the spermalege.
7. There’s a musical about bedbugs
Believe it or not, there’s an American musical comedy called “Bedbugs!!!” about a mad-scientist exterminator who accidentally mutates New York City’s bedbug population. It’s a humorous take on the challenges of dealing with these pesky insects.
8. Bedbugs have inspired music
Canadian rock band Odds released their second studio album titled “Bedbugs” in 1993. The album’s lead single, “Heterosexual Man,” was accompanied by a music video that gained popularity.
9. Bedbugs are not related to other common bugs
Despite their name, bedbugs are not closely related to other bugs like stink bugs or leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae). They belong to a separate family and have distinct characteristics.
10. Bedbugs can survive for months without feeding
Adult bedbugs can live for several months without a blood meal, making it easier for them to hide and survive in vacant homes or abandoned furniture. This resilience contributes to their ability to spread and infest new areas.
11. Bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide
Bedbugs use various cues to locate their hosts, including body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale. This is why they often bite exposed areas of skin while people sleep.
12. Professional help is often needed to eliminate bedbugs
Due to their resilience and ability to hide, getting rid of bedbug infestations often requires the assistance of professional pest control services. Attempting to tackle the problem without expert help may lead to ineffective treatment and prolonged infestation.
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
