Bed Bugs in South Carolina

Found throughout South Carolina, bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed exclusively on blood. Humans serve as their primary host, but they also feed on mammals and birds. Bed bugs are secretive and remain well hidden in cracks and crevices located in places where they are not likely to be disturbed. Bed bugs typically feed at night while their host lay fast asleep, although they can live for a year or longer without a blood meal. Their bite is essentially painless, so they are rarely detected at the time of feeding activity.

Bed Bug Habitat

Bed bugs live in groups and inhabit areas where humans sleep or rest for extended periods of time. They are usually transported, unknowingly, from place to place as people travel. They conceal themselves in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, bedding, furniture, and anywhere they can hide. Bed bugs can be found in homes, hotels, apartment buildings, schools, medical facilities, and other areas frequented by the public. These pests favor cracks, crevices, or seams in headboards, mattresses, luggage, backpacks, and upholstered furniture. 

Bed Bug Behaviors, Threats or Dangers

Bed bugs do not spread disease and are not considered dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention. The first sign of a bed bug infestation is typical bites on the skin or the appearance of small brownish dots on the bed. They gain access to people through used furniture and bedding, luggage, or other objects that move from place to place, or through pipes shared by neighboring apartments or hotel rooms. Bed bug bites may be undetected on people who have been bitten. Welt-like swelling in a straight line on the skin of the bite victim may occur. Bed bug control is not a do-it-yourself job and if you think you may have an infestation, contact a professional bed bug exterminator.