Identification
Bed bugs are small, oval, reddish-brown insects measuring about 4 to 5 mm in length. They have flat bodies, six legs, and short antennae. They lack wings and cannot fly, but they are excellent crawlers. After feeding, their bodies swell and become more elongated. Bed bugs are found worldwide and are notorious for infesting homes, hotels, and public spaces.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Bed bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis with three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay clusters of 1 to 5 eggs per day, totaling up to 500 in a lifetime. Eggs hatch in 6 to 10 days, and nymphs progress through five molts before reaching adulthood in about five weeks. Adults can live several months to over a year, depending on food availability and environmental conditions.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Bed bugs are nocturnal, feeding exclusively on blood, primarily from humans. They are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They can survive months without feeding, making them highly resilient. Their bites are painless at first but can lead to itchy, red welts.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Bed bugs prefer to hide in tight cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, including:
- Mattress seams and bed frames
- Upholstered furniture and cushions
- Electrical outlets and behind wallpaper
- Luggage, clothing, and personal belongings
- Carpets, baseboards, and wooden floor cracks
Threats & Danger
While bed bugs do not transmit diseases, their bites can cause severe itching, allergic reactions, and secondary infections from scratching. Heavy infestations may lead to psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
Prevention
- Inspect secondhand furniture and hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs
- Use protective mattress and pillow covers
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots
- Regularly vacuum and wash bedding in hot water
- Be cautious when traveling to avoid bringing bed bugs home
Signs of Infestation
- Small, red bite marks in clusters or lines on the skin
- Dark fecal spots or blood stains on bedding and mattresses
- Shed skins or eggshells near hiding areas
- A musty, sweet odor in severe infestations
How to Get Rid of It
- Wash and heat-treat infested bedding and clothing
- Use bed bug-proof mattress and box spring encasements
- Apply residual insecticides and diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices
- Utilize professional heat treatment for severe infestations
- Seek professional pest control services for effective eradication