Bed bugs can be a serious concern for both homes and businesses. Knowing how to spot signs of an infestation early and learning bed bug facts can help protect you and your property.
Bed bugs (Cimex Lectularius) are small, wingless insects that feed on blood, usually from people. They are often found near beds and sleeping areas, but can also hide in furniture, cracks in walls, and other quiet spaces. While they don’t fly or jump, they can spread by hitching a ride on bags, clothes, and furniture.
Although they don’t spread disease, bed bug bites can cause itchy welts and, in some people, allergic reactions. Even clean homes and businesses can become infested, so knowing how to spot early signs is key to protecting your space.
3/16" long.
Bed bugs develop in five stages before becoming adults. These stages are known as nymphs, and each one must feed on blood to grow. Early nymphs are very small and pale, making them harder to spot. As they molt, they become darker and larger.
Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, reddish-brown, and flat. Eggs are white and about the size of a grain of salt. Spotting eggs, shed skins, or bugs at different stages may be a sign of a growing bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are experts at staying out of sight. They often hide in tight spaces close to where people sleep. Common spots include:
Bed bugs can be challenging to find without a thorough inspection because they can fit into a crevice as thin as a credit card. Our pest control experts are trained to identify these hiding places during service visits.
Bed bugs are primarily active at night, usually just before dawn. Their activity increases when they sense our body heat, our odor, and the carbon dioxide we exhale, all signs that a human host is nearby. This is when they come out of hiding to feed.
Their nocturnal behavior makes them hard to spot during the day. Even if you don’t see them, bite marks or small blood stains on sheets may signal their presence.
Bed bugs spread by travelling on clothes, luggage, second-hand furniture, and other personal items. They don’t crawl long distances, but they are expert hitchhikers. Bed bug infestations often begin after someone brings them home from a hotel, workplace, or public space.
They can move between rooms in homes, apartments, and businesses, especially where units share walls. To help stop the spread, it’s important to act early.
No, bed bugs do not jump or fly. They move by crawling and often stay close to where they first settled. While they don’t move fast, they can still find new hiding spots if disturbed or in search of a new blood meal. Their lack of wings and jumping ability means they rely on people and items to travel from place to place.
Depending on the temperature and environment, adult bed bugs can live for several months without feeding. In cooler conditions, they may survive even longer without a blood meal.
This ability to go without food makes them especially tough to eliminate without help. While DIY methods might offer temporary relief, professional bed bug control is the most reliable way to address the root of the issue.
Bed bug bites are not contagious and do not spread disease, but they can still cause problems. Bites usually appear as small, itchy red spots and often come in clusters or lines. Some people may experience stronger reactions, including swelling or skin infections. Always speak to a healthcare provider for concerns about symptoms or treatment.
Scratching bites can make symptoms worse. For peace of mind, it's best to get your property checked by a professional bed bug exterminator.
Spotting a bed bug infestation early can help limit its spread and make treatment more effective.
Early signs of a bed bug infestation include:
If you see any of these signs, avoid moving items between rooms. Our trained pest control experts can inspect and help treat your space for long-term protection.
Yes. One of the most misunderstood bed bug facts is that they only live in dirty places. In reality, even the cleanest homes or hotels can get infested. Bed bugs don’t care about mess; they care about access to a blood meal and safe hiding spots.
Keeping rooms clean and tidy can help you spot problems sooner, but it won’t prevent an infestation. Regular checks, especially after travel or buying second-hand items, can help. Our residential pest control and commercial pest control services can help ensure your home or business is protected from bed bugs year-round.