Bedbugs

Bed bugs are small, flat insects, about the size of a tiny seed, typically reddish-brown in color. They're wingless and feed on blood. During the day, these insects hide in the nooks and crannies of beds, box springs, headboards, bed frames, and other nearby furniture. They come out at night to feed on people.

Think of them like tiny, blood-sucking creatures. Bed bug bites usually heal on their own within a couple of weeks. While bed bugs don't typically spread diseases, some people might have an allergic reaction or a very itchy skin rash from the bites.

Bed bugs are about the size of a small apple seed. They like to hide in tight spaces near beds, such as in the seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, bed frames, and even furniture near the bed. They come out at night to feed on humans. If you spend time in places with a lot of overnight guests, like hotels, hospitals, or shelters, your risk of encountering bed bugs increases.

If you find bed bugs in your home, it's best to get professional help to get rid of them. A professional exterminator is usually the most effective way to eliminate a bed bug infestation.

Identifying bed bug bites can be tricky, as they look similar to other insect bites. However, bed bug bites often have some distinct characteristics.

Bed bug bites are usually itchy and may show up in noticeable patterns. These patterns often resemble a line or cluster of small bites, arranged in a rough row or group.

You might notice the following signs of bed bug bites:

• Small, raised bumps: These bumps are often inflamed, meaning they're red and swollen. A small, darker spot might be in the center of the bump.
• Itching: The bites are typically itchy. This itching can vary from mild to severe.
• A specific pattern: The bites frequently appear in a line or cluster, rather than being scattered randomly. This pattern is a helpful clue.
• Common locations: Bed bug bites are frequently found on the face, neck, arms, and hands. This is because these areas are often exposed when sleeping or resting.

Not everyone reacts the same way to bed bug bites. Some people experience little or no reaction at all. But others may have a more severe reaction, such as:

• Severe itching: The itching might be intense and difficult to manage.
• Blisters: Fluid-filled blisters might develop at the bite sites.
• Hives: A widespread rash, known as hives, could occur.

If you suspect you've been bitten by bed bugs, it's always a good idea to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and get appropriate treatment.

If you have a bad reaction to bed bug bites, like a severe allergic reaction or skin problem, talk to a doctor. They can give you the right treatment.

Bed bugs are a common problem, and there are several reasons why they might infest a home. One reason is that people travel more often now, carrying bed bugs in their luggage or clothes. Another is that some pest control methods aren't as effective as they used to be, and bed bugs are developing resistance to certain insecticides.

Bed bugs usually like to hide near where people sleep. You might find them in your:

• Clothes: They can easily hitch a ride on your clothes.
• Luggage: If you bring infested luggage home, you bring the bugs too.
• Bedding: This includes sheets, blankets, pillows, and mattress covers.
• Boxes and furniture: Bed bugs can hide in the spaces between box springs and mattresses, inside furniture, and even in boxes.
• Headboards and other items near the bed: They like to be close to you.

But bed bugs aren't just limited to these areas. They can also be found:

• Hidden in walls: Look for them under peeling paint or loose wallpaper.
• Under carpets: They are often found along the edges of carpets, near baseboards.
• In furniture: They can hide in the seams of upholstered furniture, like sofas or chairs.
• Around electrical outlets: They can find a place to hide almost anywhere, even behind electrical plates.

Bed bugs are good travelers! They can move easily from one place to another, carried on clothing, luggage, furniture, or even bedding. This makes it easy for them to spread between rooms, floors, or even buildings, like hotels or apartments.

Importantly, bed bugs don't care if a place is clean or messy. All they need is a warm body (you!) and a place to hide. So, even a spotless home can be infested.

Bed bugs are more likely to be found in places where many people are constantly coming and going. This includes apartment buildings, dorm rooms, homeless shelters, hotels, cruise ships, trains, buses, and refugee camps. These locations often have lots of shared spaces and high turnover of residents, making it easier for bed bugs to spread.

Bed bugs are a common household pest. While they don't typically hide under clothing, covering your skin as much as possible when sleeping might help prevent bites. Long-sleeved pajamas and pants are a good idea.

Before bringing any used items into your home, carefully inspect them. Check used mattresses, bedding, and furniture for signs of bed bugs. Look closely at seams, folds, and crevices for tiny dark spots (excrement) or shed skins. These are clues that bed bugs may be present.

When staying in hotels, take precautions. Check the mattress seams and the area around the bed frame for bed bug signs. It's a good idea to place your luggage on a table or dresser instead of directly on the floor. This helps prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride home with you.

Finding bed bugs? Check your home right away.

If you think you might have bed bugs, start looking for them in your house immediately. Bed bugs love hiding in small spaces, so carefully check the following:

• Walls: Look closely at the tiny cracks and crevices in your walls.
• Mattresses: Inspect the seams, edges, and tufts of your mattress thoroughly.
• Furniture: Check the edges, seams, and legs of any furniture, especially near the floor.

It's often best to look at night, when bed bugs are more likely to be out and about.

Here's what to look for:

• Tiny dark spots: These are usually found near mattress seams and are bed bug droppings. They look like tiny, dark specks, sometimes appearing in little clusters.
• Empty bed bug skins: Bed bugs shed their skin as they grow. You might find pale yellow, almost translucent, tiny skins. They look like very small, dried-up pieces of skin. They're usually found in the same places as the droppings.
• Small reddish or rusty stains: If you see tiny, reddish or rusty-colored stains on your sheets or mattress, it could be blood from crushed bed bugs. These are often small smears, not large spots.

If you see any of these signs, you likely have bed bugs. It's important to act quickly. Contact a pest control professional for help getting rid of them.