Bed Bug Facts

Identification

• Size: Approximately 1/4″ to 1/2″ long
• Color: Light brown to reddish-brown; recently fed bed bugs appear brighter red
• Appearance: Flat, oval-shaped bodies with six legs and no wings
• Activity: Most active at night while people are sleeping

Understanding Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood, typically while people are asleep. They are most commonly found in bedrooms, hotels, apartments, dormitories, and other areas where people sleep or rest for extended periods.

Although bed bugs were largely eliminated in the United States by the mid-1990s, increased global travel and the movement of secondhand furniture have contributed to their resurgence. Today, bed bug infestations can occur in homes, hotels, offices, schools, public transportation, and healthcare facilities.

Behavior and Habits

Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They commonly spread by attaching themselves to luggage, clothing, furniture, mattresses, and personal belongings. Once introduced into a structure, they hide in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas, including:

• Mattresses and box springs
• Bed frames and headboards
• Furniture seams and cushions
• Baseboards and wall voids
• Electrical outlets and switch plates
• Behind picture frames and wall decorations

Unlike ants or bees, bed bugs do not build nests. Instead, they gather in hidden harborages close to their food source.

Bed bugs cannot fly or jump, but they are surprisingly fast runners and can travel up to 15 feet or more in search of a blood meal. In multi-family housing, they can easily move between apartments through wall voids, utility lines, and shared spaces.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Under favorable conditions, bed bugs can develop from egg to adult in as little as one month. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs during her lifetime, allowing infestations to grow rapidly if left untreated.

Adult bed bugs typically feed every 5 to 10 days, but they are remarkably resilient and can survive for several months—and sometimes longer—without feeding.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Common signs of bed bugs include:

• Small reddish-brown bugs visible on mattresses or furniture
• Tiny dark stains or spots on bedding and mattresses
• Shed skins from developing bed bugs
• Clusters of small white eggs
• Unexplained bite marks that often appear in rows or clusters
• A sweet, musty odor in severe infestations

Health Concerns

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their bites can cause itching, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and loss of sleep. In severe infestations, the stress and anxiety associated with bed bugs can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Professional Bed Bug Control

Because bed bugs are experts at hiding and can survive in tiny cracks and crevices, professional treatment is often the most effective solution. Early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent a small problem from becoming a major infestation.

If you suspect bed bugs in your home or business, contact Mr. Snowden’s Pest Control for a thorough inspection and customized treatment plan.