Bed Bugs: What You Need to Know
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are most active at night and commonly found in beds, furniture, and cracks in walls or floors.
Identification
Size: 4 to 5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed)
Color: Reddish-brown, turns more red after feeding
Shape: Oval and flat when unfed; swollen after feeding
Movement: Crawls (does not jump or fly)
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation
- Bite Marks – Small, red, itchy welts often in a line or cluster
- Blood Stains – Tiny spots of blood on sheets or pillowcases
- Fecal Spots – Small dark brown or black spots (bug excrement)
- Molted Skins – Shed skins from bed bugs as they grow
- Musty Odor – A sweet, musty smell from bug scent glands
- Live Bugs – Found in mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture crevices