Facts on Bed Bugs

Bed bugs, or Cimex lectularius, belong to the family of Cimicidae and derive their name from their tendency to hide in crevices or cracks of beds. Where humans are present, bed bugs are a problematic occurrence and can be found in almost every kind of home, apartment, shelter or dormitory.

Features

• Bed bugs are small and wingless insects with tan, brown or orange coloring. Adult bed bugs are a quarter-inch in length with oval-shaped, flat bodies. Flightless creatures, bed bugs hide in cracks or crevices and will nest in homes, bird nests or bat roosts to await a host. Bed bug hosts can be any warm-blooded animal, including humans.

Bedside Manner

• According to Harvard University's School of Public Health, bed bugs attack by extracting a few drops of blood from an animal or human host, usually while asleep. While extracting blood, the bed bugs' saliva is mixed into the hosts' bloodstream, causing sensitivity to the skin after lengthy periods of biting. Bed bug bites resemble mosquito or flea bites and should be verified by a doctor. Bed bug bites can be treated for allergic reaction or inflammation with antihistamines and corticosteroids and do not transmit any infectious agents.

Geography

• Bed bugs are common in North America, Europe and Australia, where their populations have risen in the latter half of the 20th century after a half-century of dormancy. While common on these three continents, bed bugs have been found all over the world.

Hiding Places

• Beds are a favorite hiding place for bed bugs, and generally, anywhere a human will sleep can be infested. In beds, bed bugs will hide in the bed frame, mattress and box spring, but their flattened bodies allow for many hidden hideouts in the clutter of a room. Bed bugs are also most active in the middle of the night but are known to venture out during the day when hungry.

Discovering Infestation

• Bed bug infestations are discovered with the presence of shed skins, which are left behind as part of the normal molting process. While this shows that an infestation had occurred, it does not indicate a current infestation. The only way to tell if an area is infested is to check for crawling bed bugs that fit the size and shape features or for drops of blood.

Managing Infestations

• According to Harvard University's College of Public Health, bed bug infestations require room modifications (such as disposal of infected mattresses) cleaning or disinfecting, and the application of insecticide treatment to the room.