Bed Bugs

Overview

Bed bugs are small, brownish-red bugs famous for dwelling in beds and feeding on humans while they sleep. They have been associated with humans for more than 3,300 years and can be found anywhere people live, gather, or travel – homes, apartments, hotels, schools, offices, retail stores and even public transportation. Despite their small size, bed bugs are extremely resilient. 76 percent of pest control professionals say that bed bugs are the most difficult pest to eliminate, largely because they hide easily, reproduce quickly, and can survive for months without feeding. Yet, many Americans underestimate how hard they are to detect. Data from recent surveys conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of National Pest Management Association (NPMA) shows that only about one in four people know the signs of an infestation or how to inspect for bed bugs. Bed bugs ability to “hitch hike” long distances on suitcases, clothes, linens, and secondhand furniture means infestations can spread before homeowners even realize there’s a problem. Many people don’t recognize they’ve been bitten, as bed bug bites are often painless at first and can take days to appear.

What Bed Bugs Look Like

Bed bugs are oval shaped insects that only grow to about 3/16th of an inch in length. Before feeding, they are brown and flat. After feeding, they become redder, swollen, and elongated. Adults can be seen with the naked eye in mattress seams and other hiding places, while younger nymphs are smaller and paler. Bed bugs have six legs and two antennae. Despite having reduced “wing pads,” bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. Only about one in five Americans say they’ve ever seen a bed bug.

Bed bugs thrive anywhere humans spend extended periods of time. A 2018 Bugs Without Borders survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association found the 9 most common places they are discovered:

They hide in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, behind headboards, inside electrical outlets, wallpaper, picture frames, and even within wall voids. Many travelers do not check their rooms thoroughly for signs of bed bugs, and surveys show that fewer than one in five Americans inspect their accommodations carefully before settling in. Travel is one of the easiest ways bed bugs spread. A notable portion of Americans report encountering bed bugs while traveling, and many worry about unknowingly bringing them home after trips.

Check the bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots or sightings of the bugs or eggshells Use a small flashlight to assist with visual inspections Because bed bugs also tend to travel easily, be sure to vacuum suitcases and inspect for any signs of bed bugs upon returning from a vacation Also consider bringing a large trash bag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays and wash clothes on hot cycles once you return home, even those that haven’t been worn Additionally, never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, into a home without thoroughly examining for signs of bed bugs. You might consider having a pest control professional inspect the furniture as it is difficult to detect an infestation if you are untrained.

Signs of an Infestation

Bed bugs often enter homes by latching onto clothing, suitcases, boxes, shoes and other items. Once inside, they spread to beds, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and other hidden areas. Bed bug populations grow quickly. Females lay one to five eggs per day and may produce hundreds in a lifetime. Adults can survive months without a blood meal and tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

Despite their prevalence, only about one-quarter of Americans say they can recognize the signs of an infestation, which allows populations to grow unnoticed.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but their bites can cause discomfort, itching, and stress. Many Americans report feeling concerned about being bitten by blood-feeding pests like bed bugs, mosquitoes, and ticks. Bed bugs reproduce rapidly: females lay one to five eggs per day, potentially up to more than 500 in their lifetime. Nymphs can reach adulthood in as little as three weeks under ideal conditions. Once established, infestations can spread throughout a home or building and are extremely difficult to eliminate. Survey data conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of National Pest Management Association revealed that 22 percent of Americans say they know someone who has dealt with a bed bug problem, and 7 percent report experiencing bed bugs in their own homes. Early intervention is essential to avoid an infestation.

Humans are the preferred host for bed bugs, and they will latch onto skin that is exposed while the host is sleeping. Although the bite is painless at the time of the attack, most people develop an allergic reaction to the saliva that is transmitted during the bite. This is what causes bites to become red, itchy and swollen. Bites tend to be found in a pattern or in small clusters. This can be an indication that the bites are from bed bugs and not a different pest.

However, some humans never have a reaction to bites, making a bed bug infestation hard to identify. After times of extended exposure, it is possible for humans to reach a point where they no longer have a reaction or their reaction may become more severe.

No. Although bed bugs can feed on many warm-blooded animals, including poultry and other birds, they primarily feed on humans. Their bites are nearly painless, so most people don’t notice or wake up while being bitten.

Humans are the preferred host for bed bugs, and they will latch onto skin that is exposed while the host is sleeping. Although the bite is painless at the time of the attack, most people develop an allergic reaction to the saliva that is transmitted during the bite. This is what causes bites to become red, itchy and swollen. Bites tend to be found in a pattern or in small clusters, which can help distinguish them from other insect bites.

No, some people don’t develop any reaction to bites, which can make bed bug problems harder to identify. Others may react quickly after just one bite and develop itchy red welts on their skin. With repeated exposure, a person’s reaction may lessen over time or, in some cases, become more severe.

Bed bug bites do not need professional treatment, and people who experience severe itching usually can find relief with topical steroid creams. Learn more about bed bug bites in this Medical Minute video . Medical experts agree it is critical to keep bite sites clean and avoid scratching to prevent secondary skin infections.

Prevention & Control

Bed bugs are extremely elusive creatures, so professional help should be sought when dealing with an infestation. You should not try to treat them on your own. I According to an NPMA survey, 76 percent of pest professionals say they are the hardest bug to eradicate. If you suspect or discover an infestation, contact a licensed professional immediately .

You can also find additional, specific bed bug prevention tips here:

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Common questions about Bed Bugs

Are Bed Bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but their bites can cause discomfort, itching, and stress. Many Americans report feeling concerned about being bitten by blood-feeding pests like bed bugs, mosquitoes, and ticks. Bed bugs reproduce rapidly: females lay one to five eggs per day, p

What do Bed Bugs look like?

Bed bugs are oval shaped insects that only grow to about 3/16th of an inch in length. Before feeding, they are brown and flat. After feeding, they become redder, swollen, and elongated. Adults can be seen with the naked eye in mattress seams and other hiding places, while younger

What are signs of Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs often enter homes by latching onto clothing, suitcases, boxes, shoes and other items. Once inside, they spread to beds, upholstered furniture, baseboards, and other hidden areas. Bed bug populations grow quickly. Females lay one to five eggs per day and may produce hundr

How do I get rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are extremely elusive creatures, so professional help should be sought when dealing with an infestation. You should not try to treat them on your own. I According to an NPMA survey, 76 percent of pest professionals say they are the hardest bug to eradicate. If you suspec

Vendors for Bed Bugs

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