Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small biting insects that can multiply and travel easily. Bedbugs cannot easily climb metal or polished surfaces and cannot fly or jump.
Adult bed bugs are around 1cm long, are oval shaped and flat. They are brown but change to dark red after feeding. Young bed bugs have the same shape as adult bed bugs but are smaller (1.5mm long). They also turn dark red after feeding. Bed bug eggs are white, pear-shaped and about the size of a pinhead. Bed bugs have a one-year life span and a female can lay at least 200 eggs that hatch between 6 to 17 days.
Bed bug infestations can easily be brought into your home and can happen to anyone.
Learn how to identify bed bugs.
What Bed Bugs Feed On
Bed bugs prefer to feed on people but will also bite mammals and birds. Bed bugs mostly bite at night but can also bite throughout the day. Bed bugs can live from several weeks to up to a year and a half without feeding.
How Bed Bugs Affect Your Health
Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction and skin infections for some people. A bed bug infestation is very stressful and can affect your mental health. If you are experiencing anxiety and insomnia due to an infestation, talk to your health care professional.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are very hard to get rid of. It is strongly recommended that you hire a licensed professional pest control operator.
If you are a tenant and have bed bugs, tell your landlord right away.
Learn more about getting rid of bed bugs and making sure they don't come back .
Preventing a Bed Bug Infestation
Preventing bed bugs from entering your home is the most important step in preventing an infestation.
Bed bugs can be found almost anywhere including hotels, dormitories, apartments, homes, and even in some public places, such as businesses and offices. Anyone can get bed bugs.
- Check every item you bring into your home including used furniture and books
- Never take a sofa or mattress from a curb
- Bed bugs can travel from apartment to apartment along pipes, electrical wiring and other openings
- Take precautions when travelling to avoid bringing home bed bugs
Learn more about preventing a bed bug infestation.
How to Avoid Bed Bugs When Travelling
Bed bugs can be easily brought home when travelling. They can hide in luggage, clothing, and personal items.
Learn more about avoiding bed bugs when travelling.
