Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs on the Rise

Appearance:  Adult bed bugs are small, typically about 4 to 5 mm in length.  They have a reddish-brown color, but their hue can vary depending on their recent feeding status; after feeding, they may appear darker and more reddish.

Nesting Habits:  Bed bugs are primarily indoor pests and are commonly found in areas where people sleep, such as beds, mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.  They prefer dark, secluded areas and can hide in cracks, crevices, and seams of furniture, walls, and flooring.

Diet:  Bed bugs are hematophagous, meaning they feed on blood from humans and animals.  They are nocturnal feeders and are most active at night when their hosts are sleeping. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract blood from their hosts.

Damage:  Bed bug bites can result in red, itchy welts on the skin, often arranged in a line or cluster.  Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to bed bug bites, which can include severe itching, swelling, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis.  Bed bug infestations can also have a psychological impact, causing anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances for affected individuals.

Behavior:  Bed bugs are not fast movers but can crawl quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings.  Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime, which hatch into nymphs that require regular blood meals to molt and develop into adults.  Bed bugs are resilient pests that can survive for several months without a blood meal under favorable conditions. They can also withstand a wide range of temperatures but prefer temperatures around 70-80°F.

Avoiding Bed Bugs

Check Hotel Rooms: When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Look for dark spots (bed bug excrement), shed skins, and live bugs along mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture. 

Inspect Rental Properties: When renting a new apartment or staying in a rental property, inspect the space thoroughly for signs of bed bugs before moving in.

Inspect Purchases: Before bringing secondhand furniture, clothing, or other items into your home, inspect them carefully for signs of bed bugs.

Treat Secondhand Items: Wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry on high heat. Consider treating secondhand furniture with steam or heat to kill any bed bugs and their eggs.

Use Luggage Racks: Avoid placing your luggage on beds, sofas, or the floor in hotels or other accommodations. Use luggage racks or keep your luggage in the bathroom during your stay.

Seal Your Luggage: Consider using bed bug-proof luggage encasements or plastic bags to seal your luggage while traveling.

Use Protective Covers: Use bed bug-proof encasements on mattresses, box springs, and pillows to protect against bed bugs.

Avoid Clutter: Reduce clutter in your home to minimize hiding spots for bed bugs.

Learn to Identify Bed Bugs: Familiarize yourself with what bed bugs, their eggs, and signs of infestation look like to quickly identify and address any potential issues.

Inspect Public Seating: When using public transportation, waiting in public areas, or attending events, inspect seating areas for signs of bed bugs before sitting down.

Use Protective Covers: Consider using a seat cover or placing your bag on your lap to avoid contact with potentially infested areas.

Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home for signs of bed bugs, especially in sleeping areas and areas where you spend a lot of time.

Early Detection: Act quickly if you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home. Early detection and treatment can help prevent a small problem from becoming a larger, more challenging infestation.