PestPedia: Bed Bugs
Pest Facts: Bed Bugs
Description: Bed bugs get their name because they like to live and feed in beds.
Pest Facts:
Color: Mahogany to rusty brown; red after a blood meal
Legs: Six
Shape: Flat; broad oval
Size: 1/4 inch
Antennae: Yes
Flying: No
Region: All 50 States
Habits: Bed bugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes, and shoes to be near a food supply. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide behind baseboards, electrical switchplates, picture frames, even wallpaper. They come out at night for a blood meal.
Habitat: Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, and furniture crevices.
Threats: Although bed bugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can become red itchy welts.
Prevention: Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.