Bed Bug Facts

Adult bed bugs are similar in shape to seeds found in an apple, but are smaller.

Adult bed bugs area bout 1/8 inch long with reddish-brown, oval, flattened bodies

Babies resemble the adults but are smaller and somewhat lighter in color.

Bed bugs feed solely on the blood of animals, including humans and pets.

People seldom know they are being bitten.

Bite symptoms vary from an itchy welt or localized, red swelling to little or no reaction.

Disease transmission by bed bugs to humans is considered highly unlikely

Bed bugs do not fly but can move rapidly over floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces.

Female bed bugs lay their eggs in secluded areas, depositing up to 5 a day and up to 500 during their lifetime.

Eggs are whitish and hard to see on most surfaces without magnification.

Eggs are about the size of a dust speck and sticky, causing them to stick to surfaces.

Newly hatched babies are no bigger than a pin head.

As they grow, bed bugs shed their skin 5 times before reaching maturity. A blood meal is needed each time they shed.

Under favorable conditions (70 – 90 degrees F.) bed bugs can complete development in as little as a month, producing three or more generations per year.

Babies can survive months without feeding and adults more than a year.

Bed bugs are active mainly at night. During the day they prefer to hide close to where people sleep.

Bed bugs do not have nests like ants or bees but tend to gather together in habitual hiding places.

Clutter is a major barrier to controlling bed bugs.