Pest Guide: Bed Bugs

(Cimex lectularius)
The adult bed bug is oval and flat. They grow to only about a quarter of an inch long. Bed bugs lack wings, so you won`t see them flying around your bedroom. Under cover of darkness, they crawl in search of blood, preferably from a human. Bed bugs use a piercing, sucking proboscis to penetrate the skin of their host. Adults are brown, but appear reddish-brown when engorged with blood. For more information, contact us today.

Size	Color	Legs	Shape	Antenanae
1/4″	Brown, Red after Feeding on Blood, Rust	6	Flat, Oval	True

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.

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 switchplates, picture frames, even wall paper. They come out at night for a blood meal.

Control / Prevention

Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Consider bringing a large plastic trashbag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays. Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections. Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.

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.