Bed Bug

Category:

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:

  • Bed bugs are nocturnal and usually feed while their host is asleep.
  • While bed bugs like human blood, they have been known to feed on animals.
  • Bed bugs are hitchhikers, latching onto suitcases, clothing, and used furniture.

Bed Bugs in Central and Eastern Virginia

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed exclusively on blood and are found throughout Eastern and Central Virginia. Humans serve as their primary host, but they also feed on birds and mammals. Bed bugs live in close proximity to people and pets, primarily in locations where we rest and sleep. These pests remain well hidden in cracks and crevices located in places where they are not likely to be disturbed. Bed bugs typically feed once a week, in the evenings while their host lay fast asleep. These blood-sucking pests can live for a year or longer without a blood meal. Their bite is essentially painless, so they are rarely detected at the time of feeding activity.

Bed Bug Habitat

Bed bugs live in groups and inhabit areas where humans sleep or rest for extended periods of time. Bed bugs are usually transported, unknowingly, from place to place as people travel. They conceal themselves in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, bedding, furniture, and anywhere they can hide. Bed bugs can be found in homes, hotels, apartment buildings, schools, medical facilities, and other areas frequented by the public. These pests favor cracks, crevices, or seams in headboards, mattresses, luggage, backpacks, and upholstered furniture.

Bed Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Bed bugs do not spread disease and are not considered dangerous, however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention. The first sign of a bed bug infestation is typically bites on the skin or the appearance of small brownish dots on the bed. 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 bug feeding is usually painless and sleeping victims are typically unaware that they have been bitten. If you suspect that you may have a bed bug issue, it is best to consult a professional bed bug exterminator for removal.