can bed bugs fly

Can Bed Bugs Fly?

Bed bugs may seem like a pest problem that occurs only in seedy motels, but the truth is that these insects can be found even in your own bed. Bed bug infestations are on the rise, partly due to increased travel and a lack of awareness.

Bed bugs can be annoying. They feed on hosts—humans— at night. You may not even know you have them until you wake up with bite marks. These bites can cause itchiness and rashes. You may not be able to sleep well with all these bugs attacking you at night.

Bed bugs hide in box springs, mattresses and furniture. If you have an infestation, it can seem as though these pests are everywhere. But how do they travel from place to place?

How Bed Bugs Move

It may seem as though bed bugs fly, since they can travel so quickly. The truth is, they don’t have wings, so they can’t fly. They don’t even jump. They get from place to place simply by crawling. They have the ability to crawl very quickly, thanks to their six legs.

Bed bugs can travel long distances. They can easily traverse hallways, heating ducts, and laundry or mail chutes. They have been known to travel through apartment buildings with ease.

Bed bugs had wings at one time—many years ago. However, they have evolved since then. It was determined that they no longer needed wings. If they flew around, there was the risk of them being seen and killed. Now, they hide, living secretly in your house.

Because they do not fly, they live close to you. They stay in your bedding during the day. They can also hide in cracks in walls and floors. They then come out at night to feed on you. Bed bugs do not like pets as their hosts, so you don’t have to worry about finding them on your dog or cat. 

Bed bugs can get from place to place quickly because they can be easily transported. They go wherever humans go, so you can find them in your car, on the school bus, in a taxi or on a plane.

Bed bugs can latch onto your clothes and jackets. They can hide in your child’s books. They can hide in luggage and purses, so you need to be especially careful when traveling. If you stay in a hotel with bed bugs, you can easily bring them home. Bed bugs can also travel in soft items, such as blankets and towels. Be careful when buying used furniture, since you may bring home bed bugs as well.

Even those who are disabled can’t get away from bed bugs. These pests can hide in wheelchairs, prosthetics and other medical devices. These bugs are so small—about the size of an apple seed—so finding them and eliminating them is no easy task.

Do I Have Bed Bugs?

Do you think you might have bed bugs? Here are some signs to look for:

  • You see bugs. Bed bugs are reddish-brown and the size of an apple seed. They are about the width of a credit card.
  • You see evidence. You may see blood stains on your sheets. There may be droppings on your bed or on the floor. They sometimes shed their skins, so you may see shells.
  • Bites on your skin. Bed bugs tend to attack the arms and shoulders. These bites are red and itchy and can be found in a line pattern.
  • Strong smell. Bed bugs release pheromones when in large numbers. They have a musty odor that smells like wet towels. 

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

If you think you have bed bugs, you need to act quickly. They are hard to kill and can go one year without eating. Female bed bugs can lay eggs daily. Bed bugs tend to be resistant to over-the-counter chemicals, so killing them on your own can be impossible. 

A thorough inspection and treatment is needed to eliminate these pests for good. Bed bugs can come back, so regular maintenance may be needed. Contact a professional today so you can live and sleep in peace again.

Contact Amco Ranger Today

Bed bugs are annoying pests. While they can’t fly or even jump, they can still cause problems.

Don’t let bed bugs irritate your skin and ruin your sleep. Call Amco Ranger today and we can provide you with bed bug solutions in the Missouri area. Our professionals can help you get rid of bed bugs and other household pests for good. To schedule a free inspection, contact us today. Call or text (636) 224-6098 or fill out the online form.