Gross! See Details On Utah's Startling Bed Bug Outbreak

Gag warning! Utah Has bed bugs! Creepy, crawly, itchy, disgusting bed bugs! Where do they hide? How do you get them and how do you get RID of them? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Why does knowing they exist give me major anxiety?

They are NOT that big! Right?

OK, I wanted to gain some knowledge so I could calm down. So where are the bed bugs? Do I want to know? Reluctantly, I decided to look it up. I read that they can be hard to see unless you have a MAJOR infestation. They are often found in the creases of your mattress lining.

According to Health.utah.gov: In the past few years, in the U.S. and in Utah, bed bugs have been on the rise. Gross! Bed bugs have recently been found in Utah hotels. Ewwww. In the past few years bed bugs have been reported in shelters, condominiums, apartments, multi-unit housing complexes, jails, schools, hospitals, care centers, nursing homes, dormitories, offices, movie theaters and on public transit. That is pretty much EVERYWHERE.

These pests are commonly transported in luggage or belongings, in clothing, or in used furniture or electronics from an infested area to other areas and structures. Bed bugs may also move from room-to-room or from unit-to-unit through cracks in drywall or plaster and through holes meant for wiring and plumbing.

There is actually a website that tracts all reported cases of bedbugs. Check out these hot spots in Utah:

Ok southern Utah seems pretty good right now, but look at SLC!! We travel up there all the time. (We see you too Denver.) Do you itch all over yet? You can see all of the details here: Utah Bed Bugs

Your bed can look like this as a result of bed bug infestation.

Sometimes the same locations are repeat offenders. Why do we keep having outbreaks after we think we cleaned them all up? Bed bugs can enter a dormant state known as diapause usually in cooler temperatures. Diapause is a period of reduced activity and metabolism that allows bed bugs to survive in unfavorable environments. During diapause, bed bugs can remain dormant for several months to over a year, depending on various factors. A year? So you can think you got rid of them, and they can come back? Horrible.

So, how do you know you have been bitten by bed bugs?

Bedbug bites can vary in appearance from person to person, and they may not be immediately noticeable. However, some common characteristics of bedbug bites include:

Red, inflamed bumps: Bedbug bites often appear as small, raised bumps on the skin. They may be red and swollen.

Itchy sensation: Bedbug bites are typically accompanied by itchiness and discomfort. The itching can vary in intensity.

Clustered pattern: Bedbug bites may be grouped together in a cluster or a line on the skin. This is because bedbugs often feed multiple times during a single feeding session.

Linear or zigzag pattern: Sometimes, bedbug bites appear in a linear or zigzag pattern, particularly if the bedbugs were disturbed while feeding and moved along the skin.

Nocturnal occurrence: Bedbugs are most active at night, so bites from bedbugs often appear in the morning or after waking up.

It's important to note that while these characteristics are commonly associated with bedbug bites, they are not definitive proof of bedbug activity. Other insect bites, skin conditions, or allergic reactions can also cause similar symptoms.

If you suspect bedbugs, it's best to consult a professional for proper identification and guidance on dealing with the issue. Just be aware and check the beds and sheets anywhere you stay before you climb into bed. Now, I may have to put bug killer in my travel kit.

I may be traveling with these in my travel kit from now on.

Hold up though. Apparently we have it pretty good. Utah doesn't have one city on the list of top US cities with bed bugs right now. #1 on the list is Chicago! Although just because you aren't on the list of the worst, doesn't mean you are in the clear.

I may never travel again. If you dare....Here is the list we do not want to be on. Top US Bed Bug Cities