Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on human blood. They don't indicate a "dirty" home; they are simply expert travelers that can be picked up in hotels, movie theaters, or on public transit.
The ShapeAdult bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped, and roughly the size of an apple seed.
The ColorThey are reddish-brown. After a blood meal, their bodies swell and become a brighter red and more elongated.
The CluesBecause they hide so well, you often see their signs before the bugs themselves. Look for tiny black spots (fecal matter) on mattress seams or small reddish-brown blood smears on sheets.
Nocturnal ActivityBed bugs are photophobic and remain hidden in cracks and crevices during the day. They emerge at night, attracted by the carbon dioxide and body heat we exhale while sleeping.
Hiding SpotsDespite their name, they don't just live in beds. They are commonly found in headboards, electrical outlets, behind baseboards, and even in the pleats of curtains.
ResilienceBed bugs can go several months without a meal, meaning they won't simply "starve out" if a room is left empty for a few weeks.
Do bed bugs carry diseases?While they are a major nuisance and their bites can cause intense itching and allergic reactions, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans.
Can I get rid of them with a store-bought bug bomb?No. In fact, "total release foggers" often make the problem worse by driving the bed bugs deeper into the walls or into adjacent rooms.
How did they get into my house?They are hitchhikers. They typically enter on luggage after a trip, on used furniture, or even on clothing after sitting in a high-traffic public area.
