Our Top 10 Weirdest And Most Fascinating Facts About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are one of the worst pests you’ll ever encounter. That being said, these bugs do have their good points, and are actually quite interesting. Don’t’ believe us? Here are some facts about bed bugs that are strange, weird and totally fascinating.

Little known facts about bed bugs

1. Bed bugs don’t only live in your bed

Bed bugs are mostly found in and around beds. But did you know they can actually live anywhere? Yes, these pests are increasingly found in places like libraries, offices, schools and cinemas. Most alarmingly, people are also spotting them on public transport. You can find bed bug infestations in environments without any beds.

2. Bed bugs can live without food

The majority of facts about bed bugs come from scientists. For example, researchers discovered that these pests can survive for a long time without needing to feed. This is one of the reasons why it’s so difficult to get rid of them. In fact, bed bugs in the lab were able to survive for 6-12 months with no food.

3. Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide

These pests are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide. This gives them the ability to find their prey. Humans breathe out CO2 all night and this attracts the bugs. It’s like a big neon sign saying: ‘all night café’.

4. Bed bugs inject natural painkillers

Ever wondered why you don’t wake up when these bugs are eating? After all, their bites hurt, so shouldn’t you notice this? The reason why is because bug bugs inject a natural painkiller into your body. They do this before feeding, and this is what prevents humans from waking up.

5. Their nymphs are almost invisible

Bed bugs nymphs are tough to spot. This is because their bodies are semi-transparent most of the time. They only become visible after having fed on blood, or when they reach adulthood.

6. Bed bugs are attracted to certain colours

One of the strangest facts about bed bugs is that they are attracted by certain colours. This includes red and black. On the other hand, they tend to avoid objects that are green and yellow.

7. These insects are tiny

Most people think of bed bugs as these massive bugs. This isn’t true at all. These pests are actually extremely tiny. How small? Adult bed bugs are about 4-5mm.

8. Bed bugs are ancient

These pests have a long history with their starts going back more than 100 years ago. For instance, archaeologists discovered fossilized remains of these bugs in Egypt. These were estimated to be more than 3,000 years old!

9. They’re international travellers

The main reason why so many places are infested with these bugs is because of travel. Yes, the rise of international travel is one reason why so many people experience infestations. The bugs climb into your luggage and end up wherever you’re going.

10. Bed bugs have a unique smell

One of the strangest facts about bed bugs is their smell. These pests produce a one-of-a-kind smell. According to experts, this smells like coriander (which has a sweet, musty scent.)