Bed Bugs (Cimex Lectularius)

Color:   Mahogany to rusty brown; red after a blood meal.
Legs:   Six
Shape:   Flat; broad oval
Size:   1/4″
Antennae:   Yes
Flight:   No

Bedbugs are found in all 50 states.

They prefer to feed at night on sleeping hosts, making beds their ideal home.

Habits
Bedbugs prefer to remain unseen and will hide in any dark place when they are not taking a blood meal. Suitcases, switch plate covers, furniture, sheets, mattresses, and any nooks and crannies provide great places for bedbugs to hide.

Habitat
Bedbugs never stray far from their next potential meal and humans are a favorite host. Hotels are especially susceptible because infestations are often brought in by guests in luggage and spread from place to place this way.

Threats
A bedbug bite can be itchy and may cause a rash. Some people are allergic to bedbugs. They are not known to spread disease.

Prevention
Wash bedding regularly in hot water and vacuum often. Check any furniture you bring into your home carefully and any luggage before you leave a hotel. Often you won’t actually see bedbugs, but will find the bloodspots on your sheets from their meal and find the bite marks on your skin. If you think you have an infestation call a professional pest control agency immediately.