Bed Bugs

🪲 What Do Bed Bugs Look Like? (Identification)

• Size: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4–7 mm long).
  
  

• Color: Reddish-brown, flat, oval-shaped body. They look more red and swollen after feeding.
  
  

• Shape: Wingless, with six legs and two antennae. Nymphs (babies) are smaller and pale or translucent.
  
  

• Other Signs:
  
  

  • Rust-colored blood spots on sheets or mattress.
    
    

  • Tiny black dots (fecal matter).
    
    

  • Shed skins or eggs (white, grain-sized, in clusters).
    
    

🛏️ Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bugs are masters of hide-and-seek. Common hiding spots:

• Mattresses: Especially seams, piping, and tags.
  
  

• Box springs and bed frames
  
  

• Headboards
  
  

• Behind baseboards and picture frames
  
  

• Inside electrical outlets and cracks in walls
  
  

• Couches, recliners, and chairs
  
  

• Luggage and bags
  
  

Basically, any tight, dark crevice close to where people sleep is fair game.

🛡️ How to Prevent Bed Bugs

1. Inspect Secondhand Furniture: Avoid picking up furniture from the curb or free listings without thorough checking.
   
   

2. Travel Smart:
   
   

   • Check hotel beds before unpacking.
     
     

   • Keep luggage off the floor and use luggage racks.
     
     

   • Wash travel clothes immediately when returning home.
     
     

3. Declutter: Fewer hiding places = less chance of infestation.
   
   

4. Mattress Encasements: Use zippered bed bug-proof covers on mattresses and box springs.
   
   

5. Seal Cracks and Crevices: Especially around baseboards, outlets, and wall gaps.
   
   

6. Regular Inspection: Especially if you live in multi-unit housing or travel often.
   
   

🔥 How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

DIY Methods (best for small infestations):

• Wash everything: Sheets, blankets, and clothes in hot water (at least 120°F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
  
  

• Vacuum thoroughly: Mattress seams, baseboards, furniture. Dispose of the bag outside right after.
  
  

• Steam treatment: Steamers can kill bed bugs on contact if heat exceeds 120°F.
  
  

• Diatomaceous Earth: A fine powder that kills bed bugs by drying them out. Apply in cracks, crevices, and behind furniture.
  
  

• Bed bug sprays: Use EPA-approved sprays specifically labeled for bed bugs (avoid just general-purpose insecticides).
  
  

Professional Treatment (recommended for large or stubborn infestations):

• Heat treatment: Pros raise room temps to 130–145°F for several hours — kills all life stages.

• Chemical treatment: Licensed pest control applies targeted insecticides in key hiding spots.