What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are the most common pests to freak people out. This is for good reason considering they are known to hitchhike on clothes, luggage, and more. Learn about these bugs, what to expect, and how to get rid of them effectively.
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Cimex lectularius |
| Size | 5mm to 7mm (roughly the size of an apple seed) |
| Other Names | Mahogany flats, red coats, wall lice |
Key Identification
Bed bugs are masters of hide-and-seek. Let’s take a look at some signs you may have bed bugs:
- Physical Appearance: They are flat, oval-shaped, and wingless. Without a blood meal they appear almost clear. Once they have a blood meal, they turn reddish-brown.
- The “Spotting”: Look for small dark spots (fecal matter) or tiny reddish blood stains on sheets and mattresses.
- Egg & Skin Shedding: They leave behind translucent hollow skins and tiny white eggs about the size of a grain of salt.
- The Smell: A heavy infestation often has a sweet, musty odor—similar to coriander or “wet dog.”
About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are nocturnal parasites that feed exclusively on the blood of humans and animals. It is known that their presence has nothing to do with cleanliness. Bed bugs are known to be are hitchhikers, entering homes via luggage, used furniture, or moving through wall voids in multi-unit buildings.
Carbon dioxide is bed bugs first indicator to come out from hiding. They do not fly or jump; they crawl. It’s the females you want to be weary of as they can lay 200–500 eggs in her lifetime. This can cause a huge infestation, fast!
How to Treat
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to DIY. Success requires a multi-pronged approach:
- High Heat: Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 120°F (49°C). High heat in the washer and dryer for 30 minutes is best.
- Encasements: Purchase “bed bug rated” mattress and box spring covers. This traps any bugs inside and prevents new ones from nesting in the seams.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum all crevices of the mattress, bed frame, and baseboards daily. Empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and take it outside immediately.
- Professional Intervention: Professional specialized “insect growth regulators” is often the best way to rid of them and eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bed Bugs
Do bed bug bites transmit diseases?
No. It is not known they transmit any blood-borne diseases to humans.
How can I tell the difference between bed bug bites and mosquito bites?
Bed bug bites often appear in a straight line or a cluster of three (often called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”).
Can bed bugs live in clothes?
Yes. They can hide in the seams of clothes and have easier access when on the floor. Heat-drying your clothes is the most effective way to kill them.
