Bed bugs live wherever people do, and they are currently seeing a resurgence in Canada. Despite their name, bed bugs don’t live exclusively in beds. Since they need to feed on blood, bed bugs live very close to their hosts – normally within a 6-foot radius.

They like to feed on you while you’re asleep, so they hide in areas near your bed, such as under wallpaper edges, inside electronics and around carpets.

Bed bugs can also hide in mattresses, box springs, headboards and other furniture. They aren’t exclusive to bedrooms, however – bed bugs can also infest offices and other commercial establishments, hiding in chairs, sofas and even electrical outlets.

If left unchecked, bed bugs can live up to about a year, with females living longer than males. They reproduce very quickly, which means that a few individuals can create a major infestation in just a few months.

Bed bugs don’t need to feed constantly. An adult bedbug can live for several months without getting a blood meal. That means you can leave your home for a vacation and they’ll survive until you get back.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of sleeping humans, so they are fine-tuned to detect carbon dioxide emissions and warmth. They tend to cluster around areas where people sleep, forming large infestations of several thousand individuals. They only travel a few meters from their hiding places to feed.

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs aren’t necessarily attracted to unsanitary spaces. Bed bugs invade a building by being carried in on luggage or used furniture. They thrive in densely populated spaces like hotels and multi-unit apartment buildings.

Look for signs of bed bugs regularly, and keep your bedroom clean. Signs of bedbugs include tiny red spots on your bed, clusters of reddish bites on your skin, and shed bed bug skins around your bed.

Don’t give them spaces to hide in if possible. Seal cracks, crevices, wallpaper folds and repair trim and bed frames. You can also purchase certified mattress and box spring encasements to discourage them from entering your bed.

Be wary of used furniture, especially if it’s been put out on the curb. When you’re traveling, keep your luggage sealed when you’re not using it, and don’t leave it on the floor.

In most cases, you’ll probably only see the signs of a bedbug infestation, and not the insects themselves. It can be extremely difficult to find where they are hiding during the day.

Bed bug bites are generally harmless unless they develop into welts or blisters, usually due to an allergy or sensitivity. In some cases, the bites can get infected and become swollen and painful.

Clean and vacuum the areas you suspect the bed bugs to be active in, taking care to focus on cracks and crevices. Use a strong vacuum for the job.

Spraying the infested areas with rubbing alcohol or a natural bed bug spray can be effective in keeping them at bay, but it’s only a matter of time before they bounce back.

Bedbugs can be notoriously difficult to completely remove from your home, so calling a professional bed bug exterminator is always a wise move.

If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, give us a call. We’ll identify the extent of the infestation and thoroughly remove it.