What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are most active at night and hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Though they are not known to spread disease, their bites can cause itching, discomfort, and anxiety.
How to Identify Bed Bugs
Look for these signs:
- Live bugs: Oval-shaped, about the size of an apple seed.
- Shed skins or molted exoskeletons.
- Small dark spots (excrement) on sheets, mattresses, or furniture.
- Tiny white eggs or eggshells in hidden areas.
- Bite marks on skin — often in clusters or lines.
Where Bed Bugs Hide
- Mattress seams and box springs
- Bed frames and headboards
- Baseboards, wallpaper edges, and electrical outlets
- Upholstered furniture
- Clothing, backpacks, and personal belongings
How Bed Bugs Spread
Bed bugs can cling to clothing, bags, and equipment. They are excellent hitchhikers and can move between living spaces through physical transport or by infesting common areas.