Bed Bugs

The exact cause of their increased presence is not known.  However,
researchers at institutions such as the University of Kentucky and the
University of California have recognized that new bed bug populations are highly resistant to common pesticides. According to the Centers for
Disease Control, this phenomenon paired with our upwardly mobile society and decreased local/state pest prevention programs are all contributing factors. Bed bugs feed primarily on human blood and are capable of living for long periods of time without eating. Once an infestation occurs, it can be extremely difficult to rid a home of bed bugs. These parasites can also be mistaken for wood ticks, spider beetles, woodlice, or carpet beetles, making them hard identify and treat appropriately.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Adult bed bugs are typically 4-5 mm (about the size of an apple seed) in length.
• Color: They are usually reddish-brown to brown, but their color can become darker and redder after feeding.
• Body Shape: Bed bugs have a flat, oval-shaped body, which allows them to hide in cracks and crevices easily.

• Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal: Bed bugs are primarily active at night and prefer to feed on their hosts while they are sleeping.
• Feeding: They feed by piercing the skin with their specialized mouthparts, withdrawing blood. Bed bug bites can result in itchy welts on the skin.
• Hiding Places: Bed bugs are adept at hiding and tend to live near sleeping areas. They can be found in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and other furniture, as well as in electrical outlets, wall voids, and behind wallpaper.
• Reproduction: Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs during their lifetime. The eggs are tiny, white, and hard to see without magnification. After hatching, bed bug nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
• Survival: Bed bugs can survive for several months without feeding, making them resilient pests. However, they prefer to feed regularly when hosts are available.
• Movement: Bed bugs can crawl relatively quickly but do not jump or fly. They are primarily spread from place to place by hitching rides on luggage, clothing, and personal belongings.