About
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that rely on human blood for sustenance, often leaving behind itchy red bites after feeding. Commonly found in areas where people sleep or rest, bed bugs are notorious for inhabiting mattresses, box springs, bed frames, couches, and chairs. They can be found worldwide, thriving in both residential and commercial spaces.
But what exactly do bed bugs look like, how can you identify them, and what steps should you take if you suspect an infestation? Let’s explore these questions in more detail below.
Knowing how to identify bed bugs is essential in determining if you have an infestation. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, measuring around 3/16 to a quarter inch in length. Their bodies are flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in color. They do not have wings and are unable to fly or jump, but their flat bodies allow them to hide in tight spaces, making them difficult to detect.
Bed bugs have a simple life cycle consisting of three primary stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
• Eggs: Bed bug eggs are tiny, white or translucent, and about the size of a pinhead. Females can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime, often in clusters.
• Nymphs: Nymphs resemble smaller, lighter-colored versions of adult bed bugs. They must consume blood in order to molt and grow through five developmental stages.
• Adults: Adult bed bugs can live for several months to over a year, depending on conditions such as food availability and temperature. The entire life cycle can be completed in roughly 37 days under optimal conditions.
Of the many species of bed bugs, the most common type found in human dwellings is Cimex lectularius, which feeds primarily on human blood.
Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, typically feeding on human blood while people sleep. They are attracted to body heat, carbon dioxide, and our natural body scent, which explains their preference for biting people at night. Once they’ve fed, bed bugs retreat to their hiding spots, making detection challenging.
Bed bugs thrive in environments where they have easy access to human hosts. They’re commonly found in:
• Mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards
• Upholstered furniture, such as couches and chairs
• Cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and baseboards
• Behind wallpaper or inside electrical outlets
• Luggage or other items near sleeping areas
Any small, secluded spot close to where people rest or sleep can serve as a hiding place for bed bugs.
Bed bugs are master hitchhikers, often spreading through human activity such as travel or by bringing infested items into your home. They latch onto clothing, luggage, and personal belongings, which allows them to easily move from place to place. High-density residences, hotels, and frequently visited public spaces increase the likelihood of encountering these pests.
Common indicators that you might have bed bugs include:
• Small, dark spots or stains from bed bug excrement on mattresses, sheets, or furniture
• Blood stains on bedding from bed bug bites
• Shed skins or exoskeletons
• Tiny white eggs or eggshells in mattress seams or furniture crevices
• Red, itchy bites on your skin, often appearing in lines or clusters
To inspect for bed bugs, examine your bedding, mattress seams, and nearby furniture for reddish-brown stains, dark spots, or live bugs.
Bed bug bites typically present as red welts in clusters or zigzag patterns on the skin. While they can cause itching and irritation, some individuals may not react to the bites at all. Although bed bugs do not transmit diseases, their presence can cause significant stress and discomfort.
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, consider these tips:
• Inspect bedding and mattresses regularly for signs of bed bugs.
• When traveling, check hotel rooms for bed bug evidence and keep luggage off the floor and bed.
• Seal cracks and crevices around baseboards and walls to limit hiding spots.
• Schedule regular inspections with a pest control professional to ensure your space remains bed bug-free.
• Remove all clutter from your home; this will help you find bed bugs easier.
• Do not bring in second-hand furniture or clothing.
• Do not bring discarded items into your home or business.
• When returning home from a hotel or traveling, place all clothing in the dryer and run at high heat for 20 minutes.
If you do find bed bugs:
• Call Black Diamond at 877-DEAD-BUG for a bed bug inspection.
• Do not spray anything. This includes alcohol and over-the-counter products, as these can cause bed bugs to spread to other areas.
• Keep a sample of the bug, if possible, for positive identification.
• You may use a vacuum to remove bed bugs, eggs, and shed skins from furniture and carpets. Dispose of the vacuum contents in a bag and place it in the exterior trash can immediately.
• Wash and dry any bedding and clothing on high heat to help kill bed bugs and their eggs.
• Contain the infested area to prevent the spread.
• Consult a professional pest control company to handle the infestation.
DIY bed bug treatments are often ineffective and can worsen the problem. To effectively eliminate bed bugs from your home, it’s best to consult with pest control professionals such as ourselves. We specialize in and offer expert bed bug treatment and prevention services that you can checkout here. Our comprehensive solutions will help ensure your home remains free of these troublesome pests.
