How Do Bed Bugs Migrate?

by | Mar 28, 2016 | Bed Bugs Facts

bed bug under microscope

Bed bugs are a species that migrates quickly and adapts easily to new environments. By the 1950’s they were nearly non-existent in developed countries, but changes in human migration habits, new laws prohibiting pesticides like DDT and possibly the increase in the sales of second-hand clothing and furniture have contributed to a resurgence of these pests.

Considering bed bugs neither jump or fly like other insects, one must wonder how they happen to get around.

How Do Bed Bugs Migrate?

The first line of defense against a bed bug infestation is to get the facts about bed bugs, and understand how bed bugs migrate. Here are some fascinating facts about bed bugs, and several reasons why bed bugs change their residence:

How do bed bugs migrate?

  • Bed bugs can be carried via luggage, furniture, clothing. With the significant increase in international travel on a global level, there are millions of people moving all over the world at any given time. A host can cover thousands of miles in a single day, leaving bed bugs in several countries. On a more local level, the increase of buying and selling used furniture and clothing may be facilitating the increased incidence of bed bugs.
  • Bed Bugs can lie dormant and well hidden. A group of bed bugs may be lying dormant in a piece of disassembled furniture or become migratory if your pesticide company does not thoroughly or correctly treat your infestation.
  • If they lose their host they will migrate to find a new source of food.
  • Bed bugs are mobile.  Despite their tiny size, the facts about bed bugs are they move fairly quickly and can climb vertical surfaces; making building pipes, wires, and support beams “bed bug highways”!
  • Mating can provoke migration.  Mating is so traumatic for female bed bugs it can cause them to leave the harborage space in order to flee from the male. If she is pregnant, she will lay her eggs in a new location, thus beginning a new brood.

These little pests are resilient, and without proper treatment that encompasses a couple of weeks, it is unlikely you will successfully eradicate your infestation. They take 10-14 days to hatch and may require several applications of pesticide before dying. Bed bugs do not usually succumb immediately to pesticides, sometimes it can take them several days to die.

Your best defense is a reputable company with a proven track record of success. A trained professional will utilize a thorough, multi-step approach to rid your space of bed bugs.

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