Bed Bug

Actual Size: Less than 6 mm 

Characteristics: Oval, flat and mahogany brown to red-brown.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: No

Habitat: Single-family homes, apartments, hotels, hospitals, schools and college campuses, office buildings, retail stores, movie theaters, and even public transportation.

Habits:

  • Bites are painless and often go undetected.
  • Feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and mammals.
  • When disturbed, gives off a musty, sweet odor from their scent glands.
Category:

Bed Bugs in California

Found throughout California, bed bugs are nocturnal insects, feeding exclusively on blood. Humans serve as their primary host, but they also feed on birds and mammals. Bed bugs gain access to people through used furniture and bedding, luggage or other objects that move from place to place, or through pipes shared by neighboring apartments or hotel rooms. Bed bugs can live for a year or longer without a blood meal. Bites from bug bites are painless and maybe undetected on people who have been bitten. Welt-like swelling in a straight line on the skin is an indication of bed bug bites.

Bed Bug Habitats

Bed bugs reside where humans sleep or rest for extended periods of time. These blood-sucking pests are usually transported, unknowingly, from place to place as people travel. Commercial buildings and offices are also an excellent environment for bed bugs. Since bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, employees, custodians or a visitor may accidentally bring bed bugs into buildings on bags, backpacks, and clothing.

Bed Bugs Behavior, Threats or Dangers

Bed bugs do not spread disease and are not considered dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may require medical attention. The first sign of a bed bug infestation is typically bites on the skin. Signs of an infestation include live or dead bed bugs, small red to rust-colored stains on furniture or walls, shed bed bug skins, or white, sticky eggs.  Eliminating bed bugs can be complex, and also requires the use of high heat or chemicals. If you suspect your office or building has a bed bug infestation, it is recommended to contact a professional bed bug exterminator.