What Causes Bed Bugs?
There are many who believe that bed bug infestations are caused by filth, but this is a misconception. These bugs are not drawn to decay. They can live in any environment, as long as they have access to their food source. Understanding this is vital in preventing a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are blood-eating insects. They require blood to breed and blood meals to survive; but unlike mosquitoes, they can't fly to get to their food. And, unlike ticks, they don't have the convenience of living on a host. Bed bugs must find another way to get the food they need. So, these bugs hide near their food source and wait until it is safe to come out and feed.
At first, it is hard to see bed bugs because they are as small as the tip on a pen, and they have a transparent skin. But, once they get to their adult size, it is hard to miss these bugs, unless the environment they have chosen is cluttered enough to conceal them. They aren't drawn to clutter, but clutter will help these bugs avoid detection longer. This has given rise to the belief that bed bugs are drawn to filthy places; but filth and clutter are not the cause of bed bugs. These bugs can live in the cleanest and neatest of environments. It is just more difficult for them to continue to avoid detection.
So, what causes bed bugs? The most apparent cause of bed bugs is a lack of awareness. The more you know about bed bugs, the greater success you will have at keeping them out of your home or business.