What are Bed Bugs?

/ Thermal Heat Pest /

What are bed bugs?

Most of us have heard about bed bugs but what are they? These brownish-red pests are known for dwelling in beds and feeding on humans while they sleep. Bed bugs can be found just about everywhere humans gather, such as; hotels, schools, gyms, and public transportation. Bed bugs feed only on blood and relay on it for survival. Humans are a bed bugs main food source though they will also feed on warm-blooded animals.

Let’s get into the physical description of the nocturnal bed bug.

Physical Description:

  • Color- They are reddish-brown and when they feed they tend to turn a darker red.

  • Shape- Bed bugs are flat, oval body, but after feeding their body becomes swollen and elongated.

  • Size- Adult bed bugs are typically 4-5 millimeters long and flat, oval-shaped.

What can you expect from bed bugs?

Behavior:

  • Feeding Habits- Bed bugs feed by piercing the skin with the mouthparts to draw blood.

  • Hiding Places- Bed bugs are skilled at hiding in cracks and crevices staying close to where humans sleep.

  • Nocturnal- Bed bugs are primarily active at night and will usually feed on their host while they sleep.

  • Survival- Bed Bugs can survive several months without feeding.

How do you know if you are now sharing your home with the hitchhiking blood sucking bed bug?

Infestation Signs-

  • Bites- The most obvious sign of a bed bug problem is the sudden appearance of bites. Bed bugs bites are small, itchy, red welts, often in a line or cluster. The bites are usually found on exposed areas of the skin like the face, legs, and arms.

  • Fecal Stains- As bed bug excrete digested blood you will see small dark spots on bedding and mattresses, even furniture.

  • Musty Odor- If you have a bed bug infestation you may smell a sweet, strong, musty order.

Once fully grown the adult female can lay up to 200 eggs in her lifetime. Bed bugs are resilient and difficult to get rid of without the help of a professionals. Don’t waste anytime when faced with a bed bug problem call on the professionals at Temecula’s Thermal Heat Pest Control. There is no need to leave your home for days at a time, with Thermal Heat Pests. The non-chemical approach in pest control is Thermal Heat Pest.