Bed Bug Awareness Week is observed in the first full week of June every year, which makes it from June 1 to June 7 this year. Did you know these pests are one of the most common problems experienced by people across the world? In fact, in April 2020, six million online conversations in America revolved around the bed bug issue! For those who aren’t aware, bed bugs are small brown-colored insects that feed on insects and animals to survive. And yes, bed bug bites can really hurt. Not only are these insects near impossible to spot, but they are also tough to get rid of. This is why Bed Bug Awareness Week was created — to rid the U.S. of these common pests.
History of Bed Bug Awareness Week
In 2017, Bed Bug Awareness Week was officially declared by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). This was done in an attempt to bring to light the common problem of bed bugs that plague America. The week also focuses on creating awareness regarding bed bugs, what causes them, and how they can be eliminated from the household. This mission was taken forward by the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) who now strongly promotes Bed Bug Awareness Week every year.
PPMA is an organization that is known to advertise the importance of pest control and why it is the solution Americans have been searching for. This is done by social media campaigns that flood Twitter, Facebook, and other popular platforms during June. The aim is to acknowledge the fact that bed bugs can enter the house no matter how clean and cautious you are. And if you don’t recognize the problem, you will continue waking up with insect bites on your body, which can be quite painful, especially for children.
Though bed bugs are a year-long problem, this specific week in June has been dedicated to the cause since summertime is the peak travel season. People visit tropical islands, forests, mountain regions, etc. — and before they know it, bed bugs have become their new housemates. The week also highlights the importance of hiring a recognized pest control professional since the stubborn bed bugs are not easy to get rid of. The motto of the week is to educate and inform.
Bed Bug Awareness Week timeline
Bed bugs are mentioned by Aristotle.
Bed bugs are used for medicinal purposes.
Colonization and travel bring bed bugs to America.
International travel aids in the reemergence of bed bugs.
Bed Bug Awareness Week FAQs
What is the main cause of bed bugs?
Bed bugs are transported to homes through people who have traveled.
What kills bed bugs instantly?
To get rid of bed bugs, wash your bed sheets in hot water or leave them out in the sun.
Can vinegar kill bed bugs?
This is only possible if you catch the bed bugs and dip them in vinegar.
How to Celebrate Bed Bug Awareness Week
Opt for pest control
Haven’t gotten your home checked for pests? Now is the time to hire an exterminator and get rid of any bed bugs that may have crawled into your bed.
Spread the message
Use social media platforms to create awareness regarding bed bugs and the problems they cause. Many people aren’t even aware that their homes might be infested with these bugs!
Look up natural remedies
Don’t want to invest in pest control? Look up natural ways in which bed bugs can be eliminated. Share the information you find with those around you so they can adopt the same methods.
How To Celebrate Bed Bug Awareness Week
Surviving cold temperatures
Bed bugs can survive freezing temperatures.
No food, no problem
Bed bugs can live months without a meal.
The egg size
Bed bug eggs are one millimeter long.
Femme fatale
A single female bed bug lays 500 eggs in a lifetime.
Feeding habits
Bed bugs feed only on live hosts.
Why Bed Bug Awareness Week is Important
It creates awareness
Since this week encourages discussions regarding bed bugs, it also aids in creating awareness regarding the insects and how they enter our homes.
It increases knowledge
The week plays the role of increasing knowledge regarding bed bugs, what they are, how they survive, and the problems they can cause. You get to know all there is to know about this despised insect.
It provides solutions
During the week, numerous solutions including pest control as well as natural remedies are pushed to the forefront. This awareness leads to people taking instant action to eliminate the problem.
Bed Bug Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 5 | Sunday |
| 2023 | June 4 | Sunday |
| 2024 | June 2 | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 7 | Sunday |
