Fact Sheet on Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, flat insects that get their name because they hide in beds during the day. These pests are very difficult to eradicate once they move into your home.

Identification

• Bedbugs are a reddish-brown color and grow to about the size of an apple seed, according to the Mayo Clinic. When they come out of hiding at night, they bite humans, getting sustenance from the blood.

Significance

• Bedbug bites are itchy welts, often red with a dark spot in the middle. These bites often occur in clusters and commonly appear on the face, hands and neck.

Prevention/Solution

• Getting rid of bedbugs is almost impossible without professional help, according to the Mayo Clinic. By covering your skin when you sleep, you can prevent bites since bedbugs do not burrow into clothing. Most insect repellents are useless against bedbugs.