8 Things You Probably Don't Know About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are peculiar. It’s not surprising these creepy creatures sparked panic among their human hosts, who found themselves fed upon in the dark of the night while seemingly safe in their beds. For a time, people felt like they could escape the pests by the light of day. That’s until bed bugs started showing up in offices. And in retail centers. And theaters. And libraries.

It sounds like a Hitchcock horror movie, but it’s just a typical day’s work for Orkin. We were early observers of the reemergence of bed bugs, and we’ve been on the frontlines of the battle against them ever since.

Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about bed bugs:

How Fast Do Bed Bugs Multiply?

Bed bugs can multiply quickly under optimal conditions. A female bed bug can lay between 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime, with eggs hatching in about 6 to 10 days. Given the right environment, bed bug populations can double roughly every 16 days.

Do Bed Bugs Fly?

Although bed bugs have wing pads, they don't have wings. Because of this, they can’t fly.

How Long Have Bed Bugs Been Around?

Fossilized bed bug specimens found in Egyptian tombs date back 3,550 years. We weren’t around back then, but if we had been, King Tut might have been a client.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

The name “bed bug” is a misnomer – bed bugs aren’t only found in beds. They do prefer staying close to their host, though, and typically shelter within a 6-foot radius of the bed in the mattress, box springs, headboard, soft furniture, outlets, wallpaper and carpet.

Do Bed Bugs Hibernate?

No, bed bugs do not hibernate. However, they can enter a state of dormancy known as diapause during cold temperatures, where their development and activity slow down significantly until conditions improve.

Do Bed Bugs Glow Under Black Light?

No, bed bugs do not glow under black light. However, their eggs and some of their waste, such as blood spots and fecal matter, may glow slightly under UV light.

What Other Bugs Look Like Bed Bugs?

Bat bugs, booklice, small cockroaches, swallow bugs or carpet beetles are commonly mistaken for bed bugs. So don’t assume you have bed bugs until an expert has inspected the area and confirmed it.