What To Look For With Bed Bugs

Identifying Bed Bugs:

Adult bed bugs are oval shaped, mahogany colored (reddish-brown after feeding) and have a flattened body, measuring about 3/16-inch long – about the size of a wood tick. (see picture to the right)

Newborn bed bugs are nearly colorless when hatched, becoming brownish as they mature.

Bat bugs are often confused with bed bugs. It is important to have a licensed Pest Control expert confirm the identification of any pests you find.  

A pest expert should not charge you for an identification of an insect. This may be the best way to make sure you correctly identify the pest. You can mail the specimen to us, if you would like us to identify it for you.

 
Bed Bug Eggs Hatching

 

• Bed bugs come out at night for a blood meal. However, they are opportunistic insects and can take a blood meal during the day, especially in heavily infested areas.
• Current studies indicate that bed bugs feed once a week if a host is available.
• At each blood meal, bed bugs feed from three to 15 minutes, depending on their life stage. Furthermore, the size of fully engorged bed bugs can vary significantly; for example, the amount of blood taken by adult bed bugs at each meal can reach up to seven times their body weight; whereas, nymphs can take from 2-1/2 to 6 times their original weight.
• After feeding, bed bugs move to secluded places in close proximity to the host and hide for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but devote themselves to the digestion of their massive meal, mating and depositing of eggs by the female.
• Bed bug bites are painless leaving the host unaware of their presence. However, in order to prevent blood from clotting, bed bugs secrete anticoagulant substances with their saliva into the wound while feeding. These substances will cause allergic reactions that vary depending on the individual. Some people will develop reddish, irritated itchy skin marks, while other may have blisters and necrotic spots of the skin. 

 Bed Bug Bites

Adult Bed Bug

What to look for with Bed Bugs?

In addition to seeing the bed bugs, you may also find small reddish-brown to black fecal deposits on the walls or other areas where bed bugs might congregate or hide.

You should also look for the bed bug eggs, which are very small, white and sticky.

Sometimes you can see the bed bugs cast skins, as they molt like a snake does.

Bed Bugs and Feces on the Ceiling

Where do I look for bed bugs?

Bed bugs can be located by the presence of small reddish-brown to black fecal deposits on the walls or other areas where they might congregate or hide. Bed bugs love dark places to hide while digesting their meal.

Once in the home, bed bugs become established in:

• Any convenient crack or crevice
• Along the seams or in the buttons of mattresses
• The coils and frame of the box spring
• Wooden bedsteads
• Bed framing
• Upholstered furniture
• The backing of pictures
• Window and door molding/framing
• Behind wallpaper
• Cracks in floors and ceilings
• Between wooden floorboards
• Behind switch plates, conduit etc.

In heavy infestations, they may be found in wall voids, attics or other enclosed places.

 Bed Bug Feces

Professional Inspection

We recommend you hire a licensed pest management professional. Tips for Selecting a Professional

 
Canine Inspection

Canines (dogs) have been used to detect the presence of insects for years, most notably termites. More recently, canines have been trained to detect live bed bugs and viable eggs. They can be highly accurate, although they do have their limitations too. Handlers and dogs should be trained together as a team.

Canine teams are great in larger spaces, like apartments, retail stores and movie theaters where there is so much area it would be very time consuming to search by humans. Bed bug detection dogs are also great for small bed bug infestations, which may be difficult for a PMP to find.

Bed Bug Monitors

  You may want to purchase bed bug monitors to assist in your visual inspection. There are several types available.

Climb Up - Pitfall Traps
Used under the bed posts to see if they are climbing up your bed. They climb up the sides and fall into the trap.