What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
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What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs (cimex lectularius), are small parasitic insects that are a red-brown, almost rusty in color. They are oval shaped, flat, and have no wings. Bed bugs feed off the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. After a bed bug has fed, their body turns a brighter red. It is important to note that bed bugs can survive many months between feedings.These insects are good at hiding themselves. Bed bugs will burrow in places like mattress seams, corners near bed frames, headboards, etc. In more severe cases or infestations, they can be found in luggage, behind loose wallpaper, nightstands, window crevices, cracks in flooring, and other easy to hide locations.
How To Find Bed Bugs on a Mattress
Ways to tell if bed bugs are present on a bed are to look for small blood stains on mattresses, or small dark spots from their fecal matter. Although they can be spotted alone, bed bugs tend to congregate, so carefully check areas in and near the bedding frame.
Can You Feel The Bites?
Most people do not realize when they are being bitten nor do they wake up. This is because bed bugs release an anesthetic when biting. Marks may even take a couple of days to appear and become bothersome. Signs of a bite can include red welts on the face, neck, and extremities of the body. No red prick marks are noted in the center of the welt; that is usually indicative of a flea bite.
Symptoms can include:
- Skin rashes
- Swelling
- Itching
- Restlessness, Irritability
- Insomnia, Inability to fall asleep
- Anxiety
- Possible allergic reaction
While bed bugs may be a nuisance, they are not known to cause or spread any diseases.
Not Just in Dirty Homes
Some people are under the misconception that only dirty homes in urban areas have bed bugs. This could not be further from the truth. Anyone can get bed bugs, whether they are rich, tidy, poor, a world traveler, messy, home owner, or apartment dweller. Bed bugs do not discriminate.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
If some bed bugs are noticed, sheets, bedding, and pillows must be washed. Vacuum any seen around the bed area. Vacuum and steam clean carpets. Depending on the severity of the infestation and for public health reasons, consider contacting a professional pest control service.
Non Toxic Spray
This non-toxic spray kills larvae, eggs, and adult insects by breaking down their exoskeleton. It is safe to spray around the home and works only on the insects. Feel good about spraying indoors around pets, plants and children.
All Natural Non Toxic Insect Killer Spray by Killer Green