Bed bugs are refugees from households that cause infestations of panic, terrorizing inhabitants with their nocturnal bites.
These tiny creatures may look harmless and cute, but they reproduce faster than rabbits and have an insatiable appetite for blood – whether it comes from a human or pet!
In households, bed bug infestation can leave residents tired and cranky as the little beasts take refuge in households without detection.
With their brownish-red exoskeletons, these bloodthirsty insects lurk deeply in bedding and pillows searching for victims.
Surprisingly, Pest World estimates that about 20% percent of households in America, or 1 out of 5, have encountered bed bugs, or know someone who does.
That is a shockingly widespread statistic, one that should make all of us take preventative measures to protect our households from unwanted guests.
Furthermore, the prevalence of bed bug infestation in homes is even more concerning when we consider the fact that these pests are increasingly becoming more resistant to chemical insecticides.
Most Number of Bed Bugs by Home Type: Statistics
Households are iconic settings for bedbugs, fulfilling their need for a warm and cozy place to lay down their eggs.
In fact, households – encompassing single-family homes and apartments or condominiums have been on top of the list for pest professionals when it comes to bed bug encounters categorically.
This trend has been consistent since 2017’s Bed Bug Statistics release which revealed that households represented 91% and 89% of all reported cases respectively.
Hotels and motels come in third with 68%, providing further testament to households’ significance as nesting grounds for these troublesome insects.
Other Bed Bug Statistics
The Bed Bug Statistics report also illuminated other pertinent information, and these are:
27% of People Now Thoroughly Wash Their Clothes When Returning from a Trip
The bed bug resurgence has put many Americans on high alert.
From inspecting hotel rooms and washing clothing upon returning from a trip to vacuuming suitcases and even altering travel plans due to the threat of an infestation, more and more people are taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from these pests.
The NPMA survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans were concerned about bed bug infestations; as such, many people are taking steps to minimize their risk of an infestation.
This includes inspecting or washing clothing upon returning from trips (27 percent), checking hotel rooms for bed bugs (25 percent), and inspecting or vacuuming suitcases upon returning from trips (17 percent).
Some even go so far as altering or canceling travel plans because of concern over bed bugs (12 percent).
Bed Bugs are Present in All 50 States
Bed bugs have become an increasingly common pest in all 50 states, with a reported 17 percent of respondents encountering them in the Northeast, 20 percent in the Midwest, 20 percent in the South, and 19 percent in the West.
It’s safe to say that bed bugs know no boundaries—they can be found in homes, hotels, apartments, and other dwellings from coast to coast.
Urban Areas Experience Three Times More Bed Bug Infestations
Bed bugs are a growing problem in America, disproportionately affecting younger people living in urban areas who rent their homes.
While rural Americans may remain blissfully unaware of the pests, reports suggest that the incidence of bed bug infestations is three times higher in cities than in more sparsely populated regions.
This comes down to several contributing factors. Firstly, populations tend to be much larger, with more apartments and other housing units being closer together than outside the city.
Secondly, residents of large metropolitan areas often travel frequently for work or leisure. When this occurs, accidental transferral of bed bugs from one location to another can occur without the person even knowing it.
Finally, there tends to be less knowledge about the issue among city dwellers due to lower awareness and fewer resources devoted to tackling the issue.
50% of Bed Bugs are Reported in Nursing Homes
Bed bugs have become a major issue in places like nursing homes, schools and daycare centers, offices, college dorms, hospitals, and even public transportation.
In fact, 59 percent of nursing homes are infested with bed bugs, making them one of the worst affected areas.
Schools and daycare centers come in second place with 47 percent being affected by bed bugs.
Following that are offices with 46 percent reported to have bed bug issues. College dorms aren’t far behind at 45 percent, while hospitals trail behind at 36 percent, and lastly public transportation at 19 percent.
This is an ongoing problem for many places as it can be difficult to get rid of bed bugs once they’ve taken hold of a place or building.
Many people are unaware of the risks posed by bed bugs and how easily they can spread throughout various environments which is why it’s important to educate oneself on the subject.
92% of Reported Bed Bug Infestations Came from Bed Bug Bites
Bites are the most recognizable symptoms of a bed bug infestation, with 92 percent of people reporting bites as an indication. However, for some people, skin reactions may take two to three days before developing and becoming obvious.
This means that many people may be unaware that their property is infested until the full-blown infestation has taken root and further spread.
Professional pest control companies employ experienced staff who can effectively treat all stages of a bed bug problem – from identifying any initial presence to implementing long-term prevention strategies such as heat treatments or extermination procedures tailored to each unique situation.
Taking proactive steps by conducting regular inspections at home can also help detect any potential issues before they escalate.
In case of an identified problem, it is essential to contact qualified specialists right away and follow the provided treatment plan diligently to avoid further contamination or reinfestation risks once the process has been completed.
84% of Reports Are Mistaken for Other Pest Problems
Bed bugs are one of the most common household pests in the United States, but they can be tricky to identify.
That’s because 84 percent of pest control professionals report receiving requests for help with pest issues that turned out to be bed bugs instead of something else.
Most often, these mistaken reports were about fleas—71 percent—followed by cockroaches at 28 percent.
That initial misidentification is not surprising given the similarities between bed bugs and other insect infestations.
In addition to sharing certain physical characteristics, bed bugs, and fleas both feed on blood from humans and animals, leading to telltale signs like itching or red welts on the skin.
Bed Bug Statistics in Homes: Final Thoughts
The statistics above provide an important insight into the prevalence of bed bugs in residential and commercial environments.
Despite their small size, they pose a significant threat to humans and can cause health issues, and have been continuously haunting property owners and occupants for decades.
To protect yourself from bed bugs, it’s important to learn about the different signs of their presence, as well as common prevention and extermination strategies.
If you suspect you may have a bed bug infestation in your home or business, don’t let it get any worse, and contact a qualified pest control company right away.
