The common
bed bug is an ectoparisite insect (a parasite which lives on the
outside of the body of the
host) of the family Cimicidae. Bed bugs feed only on the blood
of humans and other warm-blooded
hosts. Although they have a cryptic behavior and can conceal
themselves in tight cracks and crevices,
bed bugs are often found in bed parts, such as mattresses and
box springs hence the common name.
Identification:
Color: Unfed adults
are mahogany to rust brown; engorged bed bug is red-brown after
a blood meal.
Nymphs (baby bed bugs) are nearly colorless when they first
hatch and become brownish as they mature.
Shape: They have 6 legs. Unfed bed
bugs are flat; broad oval; fed bed bugs become swollen and more
elongated.
Size: Adult bed bugs are about ¼
inch long. Nymphs range from 1.3 mm to 4-5mm
Habits:
Bed bugs like to travel and are good hitchhikers. They will hide
in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply. They are
elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide behind baseboards and in
cracks, and crevices, and folded areas of beds, bedding and adjacent
furniture, especially mattresses and box springs. Bed bugs can also
hide in electrical switch plates, pictures frames, wallpaper and
nearly anywhere inside a home, car, bus, or other shelter. Bed bugs
usually come out at night for blood meal. However, they are
opportunistic insects and can take blood meal during the day,
especially in heavily-infested areas. Bed bugs usually require 5-10
minutes to engorge with blood. After feeding, they move to secluded
places and hide for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed
but instead digest their meal, mate and lay eggs.
Habitat:
Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a
human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper,
upholstery, and in furniture crevices. Bed bugs are also known to
survive in temporary or alternative habitats, such as backpacks,
luggage and under the seats in cars, busses, airplanes and trains.
Threat:
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 vacation
• Check your bed sheets for tell-tale blood spots
• Consider bringing a large plastic trash bag to keep you
suitcase in during hotel stays
• Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual
inspection
• Never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box
springs, into a home without thoroughly examining for signs of a bed
bug infestation. You might consider having a pest control
professional inspect the furniture as it is difficult to detect an
infestation if you are untrained.
• Regularly inspect areas where pets sleep for signs of bed bugs.
• Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual
inspection
• Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek
professional pest control to address an infestation.
Click Here For Bed Bug Pre-Treatment List |
