Did You Know It's Just Not True?

Chances are, you're reading this because you were either outraged or confused by the title. Perhaps you are here to find an error in the data. You're justified in such reactions since this generalization is nothing more than that: a generalization. The idea that Bed Bugs are exclusively attracted to "dirty" or messy people is a myth, as these insects are known to infest assorted buildings, from dirty to pristine, regardless of whether the residents are rich or poor.

Bed Bugs have lived alongside humans since ancient times. Scientists believe that the species first emerged in the Middle East, where it resided in caves inhabited by bats and ancient human beings. The Bed Bug's evolutionary history shows that the species once fed on bats alone and began to develop a preference for human blood over time. As humans evolved and advanced into civilization, they followed. They even pursued humankind into Roman cities, where they ultimately received their scientific name, Cimex lecturlarius. (In Latin, "Cimex" means "bug" and "lecturlarius" refers to a place of sitting or resting, such as a couch or bed.)

The insect remained with humans as we progressed through the years, expanding their range into Italy, China, Germany, and eventually, into the rest of the world. Of particular note were European colonists' voyages, as these were a prominent driver of Bed Bugs' population explosion across the globe. Yet, no matter where the insects settled in the world, one thing was for sure: they were ever-present in the homes of both affluent and peasant families. According to the urban entomologist, Michael Potter, it wasn't the shelter's dirtiness that attracted them, but the warmth.

Wherever there was a fire and human blood, they were drawn – and its warmth could be found in residences of all classes. Potter quoted a 15th-century observation of Bed Bug infestations, which stated, "They infest both the chambers of rich and poor, but are more troublesome to the poor…." The poor often got the short end of the stick because of their inability to change their sheets as often as the rich. Without enough bedding material to switch between, larger populations of the bugs accumulated in disenfranchised homes.

The same is true today, concerning both their prevalence, types of homes and how they are spread. Like the past European colonial conquests that distributed them, modern travel provides them a highly efficient transport route to other homes. These insects can get around quite discretely, as they can hitch a ride on personal belongings, primarily luggage and clothing. A family vacation can quickly turn into an accidental infestation, as they are known to reside in hotels, airplanes, and restaurants, just waiting for the next chance to hop onto their next human host. Once you’ve transported them through these transmission routes, they can establish a new population in your furniture and unexpected corners of your house.

Populations can spread quite extensively as they travel through the cracks of walls, ceilings, and floors. They huddle up in drawers, couches, wallpaper, curtains, and locations you may not think to look. Unfortunately, they're tough to avoid, and you're likely to pick them up in even the highest-quality establishments. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reported that, as of 2018, the following institutions had Bed Bugs at surprising rates.

68% of hotels and motels
47% of schools and daycares
46% of professional office buildings
36% of hospitals

Yes, you read the last one right. They can be found even in hospitals, the most sterile buildings around. The NPMA even discovered that these infestations were on the rise in medical facilities between 2013 and 2015. Nursing home infestation rates had increased from 46% to 58%. Even doctors' offices were struggling to control the insect, given the rise from 26% to 33% in these rooms, in addition to outpatient facilities.

Clearly, the problem is not related to whether someone keeps a dirty or clean home, or if the facility they're visiting is well-kept or disheveled. Since they feed on human blood, they are unbothered when it comes to the state of your home. As long as there is a reliable route of travel and warm shelter, you can be sure that Bed Bugs will be present wherever humans are found.

If you have recently discovered an infestation in your home, do not be ashamed or embarrassed. Instead, call on the experts at Elite Pest Control. We are committed to maintaining your home and health with our monthly and annual service plans, all of which can be customized to your precise needs. Contact us today for a free estimate and to learn more about how we can prevent the spread of Bed Bugs in your home.

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