6 Essentials to Know About Bed Bugs

Cimex lectularius, better known as bed bugs, are a type of wingless insect that feeds on the blood of a host, like animals and humans. They’re reddish-brown in color and around 1mm to 7mm in size (about the size of an apple seed). The good news is that bed bugs aren’t known to spread diseases. However, they can cause symptoms, including irritation, itchiness and loss of sleep. It’s important to note that they can live for several months without a host.

As the name suggests, bed bugs are commonly found in or near beds. Other common locations where these tiny insects can be found include:

• Bedding
• Boxes
• Box springs
• Clothing
• Electrical outlets
• Furniture seams
• Headboards
• Luggage
• Mattresses
• Objects near beds

Since bed bugs feed at night, you typically find them near where you sleep. They’re commonly found in frequently visited locations, like hotels, apartments and college dorm rooms. They prefer temperatures between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in varying conditions.

Although it’s not as common, bed bugs may hide in electrical outlets and appliances — especially those close to where you sleep. Bed bugs like to hide in almost any small crevice, so we recommend thoroughly checking your appliances and outlets in your home and bedroom on a consistent basis.

It’s a good idea to frequently check for bed bugs where you sleep, whether at home or in a hotel. To check for bed bugs, we recommend inspecting:

• Bedding
• Electrical outlets
• Furniture
• Small crevices
• Sofas and chairs
• Wall décor

Other ways to identify bed bugs include a sweet, musty odor, eggs and eggshells, exoskeletons, rusty-colored stains and small dots, which are likely feces.

If you’re staying in a hotel, wait to unpack until after you've fully inspected the room. It’s a good idea to keep your suitcases zipped and placed on the luggage rack since this isn’t a likely hiding spot for them.

A typical bite resembles a pimple — often red, accompanied by slight swelling. In severe cases, bites can cause difficulty breathing, a swollen tongue and blisters. Common symptoms of bed bug bites include:

• Burning sensations
• Itchiness
• Mild pain or discomfort
• Red spots on your skin

Bites from a bed bug typically don’t hurt because they inject fluids into your body that numb the bite mark and stop you from bleeding. A few days after the bite is when you typically notice symptoms.

If a bed bug has bitten you, don’t worry — they usually don’t pose a serious threat to your health. Most of the time, bed bug bites don’t require treatment. They typically disappear on their own after a week or two. However, to ease symptoms and treat bites, we recommend:

• Washing the bites gently with soap and warm water
• Applying anti-itch cream or lotion to your skin
• Re-applying anti-itch cream daily or twice a day if itching continues
• Avoiding scratching your bites

If your bites don’t improve or your itchiness worsens, it’s time to see your health care provider. Sometimes, bed bug bites require stronger treatments than over-the-counter creams and medicines.

We know it can be unsettling if you find bed bugs in your home, but it’s important that you take action immediately to prevent them from spreading. To get rid of bed bugs, we recommend:

• Brushing your mattress and box spring with a stiff brush
• Freezing your clothing and fabric in a sealed bag for up to four days since they can’t live below 32 degrees Fahrenheit
• Hiring an exterminator
• Using a steam cleaner at or above 130 degrees Fahrenheit to clean carpets and furniture
• Washing your clothes and sheets with hot, soapy water and drying on high heat for 20 minutes

Preventing bed bugs is also important. Prevention techniques include sealing cracks around your house, cutting down on household clutter, frequently vacuuming and enclosing your mattress and box spring in protective plastic covers.