Does the thought of bed bugs make you want to cringe? Even though these nasty tiny critters don’t spread diseases, they bite and leave marks that can be quite itchy, and not to mention, they can give you sleepless nights. The itching can lead to secondary infections or allergies, so these parasites are not necessarily harmless.

Where do bed bugs come from in the first place? A lot of people tend to believe that filth invites bed bugs, but how true is this? Why are they so hard to get rid of, and what should you do about it?

In this guide, we’ll help you understand where bed bugs come from. They are not just pesky but can cause a psychological toll on you as well. So, you also need to know how to get rid of them.

Understanding Bed Bugs

To understand where bed bugs come from and how to exterminate them, it’s vital for you first to understand what bedbugs are. These tiny creatures are flat, oval, and reddish-brown, and super tiny. They don’t jump or fly but are very good at hiding and are master travelers.

One of the most notable things about bed bugs is that they are adaptable and can live anywhere humans and warm-blooded animals live. The unique thing about these vicious pests is that they hide very well and have become some of the hardest to get rid of. An extreme infestation can take a few extermination processes before finally succeeding.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From in the First Place?

How did you get bed bugs? Where do bed bugs come from? The bed bug origin takes us back to Ancient Egypt, and initially, they would infest bats.

They then moved on to other warm-blooded animals and eventually humans. These tiny critters are very good hitchhikers, and they hide in everything from clothes to bags and suitcases. This is one of the easiest ways for them to have moved into your home.

If you traveled and stayed in a hotel, motel, hostel, or even at a friend’s house infested with bed bugs, they must have hitch-hiked a ride with you back to your place.

Public transportation is also notorious for these pests, and so are hospitals, office buildings, and apartments. Beyond that, it may have been guests that came over, or your children going for sleepovers, or second-hand furniture you bought that was infested.

The thing is, one pregnant bed bug can infest a whole apartment complex, so if you got that one into your home, it multiplied and spread as fast as wildfire.

Most people tend to think that since these are known as bed bugs, they only exist on the bed. It’s true that this is where they mostly hide so they can feast on their host during the night or while sleeping. However, you’ll find them hidden almost anywhere in your home, more so if you have pets that they can also host on.

The bigger problem with bed bugs is that they can live up to 10 months without feeding. This means that they will multiply without detection, and by the time you realize, they could be everywhere. It also takes a while before you realize where your bites are coming from, which is why most people realize what’s plaguing them when they already have a bed bug infestation.

What’s the Most Common Way To Get Bed Bugs

The most common way for you to get bed bugs is by renting a house or apartment that was already infested. The next most common places to pick them up are hotels, motels, or various accommodations outside your home.

It’s quite easy for bed bugs to hitch a ride on your luggage. It’s advisable to have a luggage carrier or a plastic bag when you travel to prevent these critters from hopping on board.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs From Infesting Your Home

If you travel frequently, it’s advisable to have a suitcase stand and inspect your luggage before checking out and heading home. Secure all the clothing items you traveled with in sealed plastic bags and wash them with hot water when you get home. Hot water that’s at least 60 degrees Celsius hot will kill all bed bugs at all stages of life.

Beyond that, be wary of any second-hand furniture you purchase or receive from anyone. If you must purchase used furniture, make sure you conduct a thorough inspection to ensure you’re not taking any bed bugs back home. When it comes to bed bugs or other pests for that matter, the best defense is offense.

What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?

You may not be sure if you have bed bugs in your home since they can go undetected for a long time, so what are the signs?

The first sign is bite marks on you or other members of the family. Most of the time, bed bugs bite thrice in a row, so you’ll have three dots following each other. The bite usually goes undetected as well until the rash appears about 72 hours later.

Bed bugs are most likely to bite your neck, chest, face, and back but can bite other places too. Check your bedding for dark-brown stains caused by fecal matter. You’re most likely to find these stains under the pillows, under the seams, and in the corners.

If you notice stains that resemble stained blood, it means you have an infection close by. Bloodstains on your bedding or clothes also mean that you were bitten while you slept. These may be very few spots, but you’ll find them if you look keenly.

How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Once you realize you have bed bugs, the best course of action is to hire Custom Bed Bug exterminators. These are not the kind of pests you can DIY your way out of. They are seriously hard to get rid of, and if you leave one pregnant female, all your hard work will go down the drain when they multiply and reinfest a few months from now.

Now You Know Where Bed Bugs Come From

So, where do bed bugs come from in the first place? We hope that this post has put some insight into where bed bugs come from and how easily they infest a home. If you realize you have a bed bug problem in your home or a few of them, hire a professional exterminator as soon as possible.

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