About The Pest
Bed bugs are blood-feeders, but they don’t transmit disease and are considered nocturnal, spending 90% of their time in hiding. Known as a hitchhiker pest, they travel easily from one location to the next by traveling on their personal belongings. They will hide in/around beds and items stored in close proximity. They often hide behind baseboards, in cracks and crevices, bedding, and adjacent furniture (especially mattresses and box springs). Bed bugs feed during the evening on blood hosts. However, they are opportunistic insects and will feed during the day, especially in heavily infested areas. Bed bugs usually require 5-10 minutes to feed and become engorged. After feeding, they move to secluded places where they will stay for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but instead digest their meal, mate, molt (shed shell), and lay eggs.
Bed Bug Facts
The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is a small, flat insect that feeds exclusively on blood. Despite their name, bed bugs are not limited to beds; they can be found anywhere people rest or sleep. These pests are known for their resilience and ability to survive in diverse environments.
Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal and are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by humans. They typically feed every five to ten days but can survive for several months without a blood meal. Their bites can cause itching and discomfort, and while it is not known for them to transmit diseases, their presence can lead to stress and restless sleep.
About The Pest
Adult bed bugs are approximately 5 to 7 millimeters long, with a reddish-brown color and a flat, oval-shaped body. After feeding, their bodies swell and become more elongated. Nymphs, or juvenile bed bugs, are smaller and lighter in color, making them harder to detect.
Bed bugs reproduce quickly; a single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime. These eggs are tiny, about the size of a pinhead. They are often laid in hidden areas, making infestations challenging to control without professional intervention.
How To Identify Bed Bugs
Identifying a bed bug infestation involves looking for several signs. Physical sightings of the bugs themselves are the most obvious indicator.
They are often found in the seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. Other signs include small reddish or rust-colored stains on bedding, which result from crushed bugs or their excrement. Additionally, shed skins and tiny white eggs may be visible in infested areas.
Bites are another common sign. They usually appear as small, red, itchy welts, often in a line or cluster on exposed skin areas such as the arms, neck, or face. However, reactions to bites can vary, and some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms.
Where Bed Bugs Hide & How They Spread
Bed bugs are adept at hiding in small crevices and can be found in various locations beyond beds. Common hiding spots include upholstered furniture, behind wallpaper, under carpets, and inside electrical outlets. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tight spaces, making detection difficult.
These pests are excellent hitchhikers. They can spread by latching onto luggage, clothing, used furniture, and other personal items. This ability allows them to travel from one location to another, rapidly spreading infestations in homes, hotels, and public transportation.
Seasonality
While bed bugs are active all year, infestations often increase during the warmer months. The rise in bed bugs is thought to be due to travel and movement of people, as this gives them more opportunity to spread in transit. However, this doesn't mean they can't be active during winter, as indoor heating can also sustain their activity, making vigilance necessary throughout the year.
Effective Bed Bug Prevention Tips
Preventing bed bug infestations involves proactive measures. Regularly inspecting sleeping areas and furniture for signs of bed bugs is crucial. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms, keep luggage off the floor and beds, and wash clothes in hot water upon returning home. Avoid bringing second-hand furniture into your home without thoroughly checking for signs of infestation.
If you suspect a bed bug problem, acting promptly is essential. Professional pest control services can provide effective treatment options, including using appropriate pesticides and other methods tailored to the severity of the infestation.
Browse Other Pests
Knowing all the important information about bed bugs is the first step in managing and preventing infestations. However, after some investigating you may suspect your problem is another pest entirely. For information on other common pests and how to address them, explore our pest library.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Can Bed Bugs Travel To Find A Host?
Bed bugs typically stay within a few feet of where people sleep, but they can travel up to 20 feet or more in search of a blood meal if needed.
What Should I Do If I Find Bed Bugs In My Home Or Business?
Contact us for an inspection right away. DIY methods may offer short-term relief, but professional treatment is the most reliable way to remove the infestation and address the root of the problem.
What Types Of Locations Are Most Common For Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are most common in places with high human turnover. This includes hotels, apartments, dormitories, hospitals, shelters, and public transportation. They can also be found in single-family homes, especially after travel or secondhand furniture is introduced.