Bed bugs are a rather fascinating pest. Studies suggest that these sneaky invaders are more ancient than we thought, tracing their roots back to the time of the dinosaur. They started as cave-dwelling bugs, originally plaguing bats and birds.
Fast forward to decades later, when bed bugs first crossed paths with mankind, and three species came to love human blood. Not long after, there was a rapid increase in reports of bed bugs invading human dwellings.
Today, bed bugs are a masterpiece in adaptation and survival. They like to make their homes in tiny cracks, crevices, folds, and seams. However, these resilient little invaders can also hide in other places like along baseboards, in electrical outlets, and in the bindings of books. Perhaps you’re wondering, can bed bugs live in metal? Read on to find out.
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Can Bed Bugs Live in Metal?
Bed bugs are notorious invaders who can infest nearly any surface, including metal. They prefer to reside in warm and comfortable places in the bedroom where they can get an easy meal while you sleep. Because metal naturally has a cool nature, bed bugs find it less appealing than wood.
Wood is naturally warm and tends to expand and contract with changing seasons, providing bed bugs with lots of warm gaps and spaces to hide. On the other hand, metal will usually feel cold throughout the year, even in the warmer seasons. Hence, bed bugs are less likely to live in metal furniture than in wooden furniture.
But as noted earlier, bed bugs are extremely resilient! All they want is to be as close to their host as possible so they can easily get a blood meal whenever they want. So, even if metal bed frames can deter bed bugs, there is no guarantee that these pesky pests won’t infest your bed.
Additionally, bed bugs are attracted to dark colors because they are a suitable hiding place. Dark colors make these insects almost invisible to the human eye. Yet, most metal bed frames and furniture are usually black.
You might want to take additional precautions if you have a metal bed frame. For instance, you can pair the metal bed frame with a specialized bed bug-proof mattress and box spring cover for extra protection.
How to Find Bed Bugs in Metal Furniture?
Even if bed bugs do not prefer a metal bed frame, they find it a suitable hiding spot because of its dark color. But, it’s pretty difficult for them to find a good place to hide in metallic furniture.
Generally, metal has the edge over wood. Unlike wooden bed frames, metal bed frames are more durable and don’t warp, crack, or form holes due to time and moisture. This leaves bed bugs with very few places to hide --- inside predrilled holes and corners where they can feel heat radiating from the mattress.
Besides, once a bed bug has reached its target, it will discover other places to hide and wait for its host. For instance, mattresses, bedding, and pillow are perfect places for bed bugs to hide.
Is It Possible for Bed Bugs Climb On Metal?
As mentioned earlier, metal surfaces are smooth. But that barely hinders bed bugs from climbing onto the surface to feed on you. Though they can’t fly, bed bugs’ six legs allow them to have a strong grip on most surfaces. So if you thought a metallic bed frame would prevent bed bugs, you’re wrong.
Bed bugs find the warmth and carbon dioxide we exhale at night irresistible! Sure, they’ll have a hard time climbing a metal bed frame than a wooden one, but don’t assume that your bed is safe simply because the pests find it taxing to climb on metal.
Bed bugs are skilled crawlers. Once they suck a host’s blood, they move back to their hiding spot at a very high speed. And you might never spot them until the infestation is widespread. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, the best thing to do is inspect your home thoroughly, eliminate the little invaders immediately, and implement effective measures to keep bed bugs away.
What About Plastic?
Plastic is also a smooth surface. This means that bed bugs can’t climb on plastic surfaces with ease. However, these resolute insects are known to evolve adaptive strategies to survive in an environment. Using plastic to keep bed bugs away from your clothes, mattress, or furniture provides effective but temporary results.
That’s because these pests will swiftly find another route to reach their target. For instance, they can easily climb the wall and drop from the ceiling onto your bed. Besides, plastic may not be as smooth as it seems, allowing the pests easy access to mattresses and clothes. The best thing to do is implement effective pest control measures to eliminate and repel bed bugs.
Can Bed Bugs Lay Eggs On Metal?
Female bed bugs can lay between 1-5 eggs per day and up to 500 eggs in their lifetime. Bed bugs eggs are about 1mm in length, comparable to the size of two grains of salt. The females prefer to place their eggs in dark places that offer safety, such as tight cracks and crevices.
Bed bugs can lay eggs on metal. When first laid, bed bug eggs are coated with a sticky substance that helps them adhere to nearly all surfaces she deposits them. The sticky substance evaporates only after the eggs are completely glued to the metal (or any other) surface. Generally, you will find bed bug eggs in the hidden corners of metal furniture and close to the metal screws.
How to Eliminate Bed Bugs from Metal Furniture?
Luckily, there are multiple ways you can get bed bugs out of metal furniture and kill them:
- Use an Old Credit Card
Bed bugs hide in the darkest corners and cracks. This, plus their tiny size and brown or dark red color makes it difficult to see them. You will need to hold a bright flashlight parallel to the area you are inspecting. Bed bugs and their eggs create a shadow when light falls on them.
When you’ve spotted the insects, insert an old credit card into the infested cracks and crevices. Carefully drag the bed bugs out and use a wet towel to capture them. Submerge the towel in a pail of warm soapy water to release the bugs, then wring it to remove the excess water. Finally, empty the bug-filled water a safe distance from your house. Repeat the process until all bed bugs are eliminated.
- Use Alcohol Spray
Examine your metal furniture and use an alcohol-based spray to get rid of bed bugs. An alcohol-based spray can help kill both bed bugs and their eggs. Spray a generous amount, enough to dampen the infested areas, and use a wiping cloth to clean bed bug feces, eggs, and shed skin.
- Use a Vacuum
Vacuuming is a reasonably effective way to remove bed bugs from metal furniture. However, note that a vacuum doesn’t damage the bugs enough to kill them. Once the vacuum cleaner has picked up the bed bugs, you must empty it immediately. Tightly seal the bug-filled bag and dispose of it in the garbage outside.
Bed bugs cannot survive the harsh weather outdoors. So this is a sure way to kill them. In addition, it’s extremely difficult for these hitchhikers to walk around outside, so they’ll never find a way back into your house.
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