8 Reasons Why Bed Bugs are the Worst

They’re tiny, they’re creepy and they’re pretty crawly, too, but for their size, bed bugs are among the most dreaded insect affliction for any person who has a home, an apartment or even just a room to call their own. Flies can be swatted, spiders scooped up and disposed of outside and even roaches, though vastly bigger in size and scarier in appearance, don’t aggregate the all-consuming fear for home and health that bed bugs do. While big cities get the worst reputation for fostering bed bugs, with New York and Chicago always clocking in high on the list, they can pop up anywhere, at any time, no matter the season or the population. Interestingly, bed bugs were all but eradicated from first world countries in the 1940s, but scientists suggest that increased international travel enabled them to spring up again, full force, in developed nations. Because of the dangers they can precipitate, bed bugs must be dealt with quickly and effectively; only a pest control specialist is equipped to fully rid you of a bed bug problem. In case you missed the memo, here are seven reasons why bed bugs are absolutely the worst.

1. They’re tiny. Unlike roaches or rats, which are visible when they crawl out from their hiding places, bed bugs are so small – only a one-fifth of an inch at their largest – that they can easily hide, feed and reproduce, virtually undetected, inside furniture (like your mattress) and clothing.

2. They’re nocturnal. Many impressive animals are nocturnal, but bed bugs are not among them. Their night-time activity is part of the reason they’re able to overstay their (admittedly minimal) welcome; their peak hours range from 10 p.m. to the early morning, so unless you, too, are a creature of the night, it can be easy for them to remain incognito.

3. They bite. As if living among your favorite t-shirts wasn’t bad enough, bed bugs are parasites which need to bite to draw blood for feeding. This leaves suspicious and itchy red marks on human skin, aside from being painful enough to wake a person from sleep.

4. They travel happily. Leaving for a vacation in the Alps? Your bed bugs would be more than happy to join you – and they often do. Again, because they can go undetected for so long, it is easy for them to move around and spread their nasty presence.

5. They can appear in a spotless environment. Bed bugs don’t require a filthy environment to make themselves at home – no, your spotless bedroom, which you vacuum and polish down once a week, will make a perfect nesting place. This is the cause of much embarrassment to many homeowners, who somehow feel as if their home is disgusting or dirty, when in fact it’s just the carefree nature of bed bugs, who are content as long as they’re warm and hidden.

6. They leave their skin and their droppings laying around. Nothing like a houseguest who doesn’t pick up after himself. Yet one of the most disgusting features of the insects – the fact that they molt and leave droppings behind – is also helpful in determining if you have an infestation. Thanks, guys…we think?

7. Their mating is…traumatic. Male bed bugs mate with females by piercing their abdomens and inseminating them through their body cavities. Yikes!

8. They smell. Like the shedding and molting, the smell bed bugs leave behind is a good tip-off to their presence, but no one likes the thought of a crowed of insects creating a sweet, musty scent – like rotted fruit – in their home.

About the Author: Lauren C. Larson is a contributing writer and homemaker whose choice of Turner Pest Control Jacksonville FL residents would agree is the best bet in the northern part of the state.