Since bed bugs are such clever pests, they have many points of entry into your home and we aren’t talking about doors and windows. Bed bug infestations can occur ANYWHERE. Since humans are actually what transports bed bugs from place to place, anywhere with people is a place that could become overrun by bed bugs.

Especially if you are exposed to a place that is already infested (whether or not you realize it) you can easily bring that infestation with you. People who go on frequent vacations or travel on a regular basis are likely to come across an infestation at some point. To keep from spreading bed bugs, everyone (but especially frequent travelers) should learn all about bed bugs.

These creatures are the ultimate stow-aways as they can hide themselves in bags, briefcases and suitcases. Clothing or linens is another means of transportation for bed bugs as well as used furniture. Bed bugs do not possess the ability to fly or jump so they have to climb or drop onto you and then find a way into your home or office or other place you visit once you have arrived.

If you live in an apartment or any other shared living situation, neighbors can bring bed bugs into your home. They can climb between units and through the floor and walls and many other ways. They are quite resourceful creatures.

How can bed bugs get into my home so easily?

All it takes is one pregnant female bed bug and you have a full blown infestation in no time.

After the bed bugs have invaded your home, they will begin nesting where humans sleep or relax to establish their food source. Generally nests are found on or near the bed or couch. Once this is established, a female  will start laying eggs and feeding regularly. After the first eggs hatch, the infestation will only grow exponentially.

Female bed bugs can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. It only takes ten days for eggs to hatch and if improperly treated, a small bed bug infestation could become a bed bug mega nest in a few short months.

The newly hatched bed bugs will begin to seek a host immediately. Families make nests of feces and eggs and other bed bugs and continue to grow very quickly.

Often times they won’t be detected for several weeks or months. Skin irritation caused by bed bugs is often mistaken for allergies and will seek medical attention. By the time the customer finds out it is bed bugs, the infestation can be will be large enough to plainly see in all rooms.

Learning about how easily bed bugs are acquired is very concerning for most people, but fear not; there are several things you can do to prevent bed bugs. It is far easier to prevent the bed bug problem than it is to correct it.