All About Bed Bugs

Description

Bed bugs get their name because they like to live and feed in beds.

Pest Facts

Color
Mahogany to rusty brown; red after a blood meal

Legs
Six

Shape
Flat; broad oval

Size
1/4 inch

Antennae
Yes

Flying
No

Region
All 50 states

Habits

Bed bugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames and even wallpaper. They come out at night for a blood meal.

Habitat

Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper and upholstery, and in furniture crevices.

Threats

Although bed bugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can become red, itchy welts.

Prevention

Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.

All information contained within is sourced directly from the National Pest Management Association.