Bed Bug Facts

Bed bugBed bugs are from the "bug" family of insects, Hemiptera. In particular, they are ectoparisites: a parasite which lives on the outside of the body of the host. Bed bugs feed only on the blood of their hosts: humans and other warm-blooded animals. Bed bugs are secretive and are capable of concealing themselves in tight cracks and crevices. Since they can feed most freely on a sleeping host they are often found around beds and bedding which has given them their name.

How to identify bed bugs

Color:
Unfed adults are mahogany to rusty brown; engorged bed bug is red-brown after a blood meal. Nymphs (baby bed bugs) are nearly colorless when they first hatch and become brownish as they mature. (Since nymphs are so light in color they can be very hard to spot.)

Shape:
Unfed bed bugs are flat; broad oval; fed bed bugs become swollen and more elongated.

Size:
Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 inch long. Nymphs (baby bed bugs) range from 1.3 mm to 4-5mm

How Bed Bugs make their way to us

  • Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Cimex lectularius, digitally colorized with the insect’s skin-piercing mouthparts highlighted in purple and red.Bed bugs like to travel and are good hitchhikers. They will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply. Beg bugs are also known to survive in temporary or alternative habitats, such as backpacks and under the seats in cars, busses and trains.
  • They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment, such as behind baseboards and in cracks, crevices, and folded areas of beds, bedding and adjacent furniture, especially mattresses and box springs.
  • Bed bugs can also hide in electrical switchplates, picture frames, upholstery, wallpaper and nearly anywhere inside a home, car, bus, or other shelter.
  • Bed bugs usually 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.
  • Bed bugs usually require 5-10 minutes to engorge with blood. After feeding, they move to secluded places and hide for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but instead digest their meal, mate, and lay eggs.

Prevention

  • Blood-fed Cimex lectularius (Note the differences in color with respect to digestion of blood meal)Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation.
  • Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots.
  • Consider bringing a large plastic trash bag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays.
  • Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections.
  • Never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, into a home without thoroughly examining for signs of a bed bug infestation. You might consider having a pest control professional inspect the furniture as it is difficult to detect an infestation if you are untrained.
  • Regularly inspect areas where pets sleep for signs of bed bugs.
  • Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.
Cascade provides pest control for carpenter ants, mouse/mice problems, beetles, moths, flies, termites, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets. We also remediate attic and crawlspace problems such as decontamination and insulation removal & repair after rodents have soiled and damaged those areas.
Cascade pest control is present in Greater Seattle, the Eastside, King and Snohomish counties.