Just when you thought it was safe to go to bed

What we are dealing with here, is a perfect engine, an eating machine.... All this machine does is crawl, and eat, and make little bugs.  And that's all.

The bed bug really is amazing.  If you weren't so disgusted and freaked out right now you probably would agree with me.  Every time I study bed bugs I'm more and more impressed with their design, behavior, and abilities.

How about the fact that as they bite they inject an anesthetic into their victim so that the biting is undetectable?

How about the fact that the bed bug eggs come covered in an adhesive so that they can stick and be transported great distances?

How about the fact that they detect your carbon dioxide as you sleep and so they know when it is time to eat?

How about the fact that they can transport themselves into people's brains and can possess your dog and are currently developing their own nuclear reactor?  Okay, that last one is not true.  Sorry.  Just trying to lighten the mood.

But yes, the bed bug is as amazing as the Great White Shark.  Both have a taste for blood, both freak people out, and both are as horrifying as they are fascinating.  But the chances of you having to deal with bed bugs in your life time is much greater than ever having an encounter with a Great White.  So what can you do?

First, you've got to be aware of the problem.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Keep your eyes open.  As soon as you suspect something get an inspection.  It's even a good idea to have regular inspections scheduled.

Second, there are a number of preventative measures you can take, from mattress covers, to monitors, to barrier treatments, etc.  You should be as preemptive with this as you are with any other possible problem.

Finally, I think it's time to de-stigmatize bed bugs.  You didn't do anything wrong to get bed bugs any more than you did something wrong to get nipped by a shark.  It just happens.  There is nothing to be embarrassed about.  Alert the right people as soon as you think there is a problem, because if you're embarrassed to say something your problem is only going to get worse.  And if it get's too much worse, you're gonna need a bigger exterminating bill to pay.