Overview
Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, primarily humans. These pests belong to the insect family Cimicidae, with the two main species being Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus. Although they mainly feed on humans, they can also feed on other animals, such as chickens and bats, and very rarely on cats, dogs, or other domestic pets.
Bed bugs are found worldwide and can infest any location where humans live, particularly bedrooms, to stay close to their food source. They can be present in the cleanest of homes and are typically found in mattress seams, furniture cracks, sofas, behind pictures, and in other small crevices. Bed bugs can spread to other items in a room and potentially migrate to other rooms.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs can be difficult to identify and are often confused with other insects. They are small, wingless, and have flat, oval-shaped bodies with six legs, a small head, and two antennae. They crawl at the speed of an ant, cannot fly or jump, and vary in size from 1 mm (juveniles) to 5 mm or more (adults). The color of bed bugs depends on their life stage and whether they have fed; they can be pale or white when young and darken to a reddish-brown after feeding.
Causes of Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bug infestations are increasing globally, particularly in urban areas. Several factors contribute to this rise, including more frequent travel, changes in pest control practices, and insecticide resistance. Bed bugs do not travel on humans but can hitch a ride on furniture, luggage, and clothing. They can move through walls, water pipes, and gutters, allowing them to spread across rooms and buildings.
- Common Hiding Places
- Clothing and luggage
- Bedding and mattresses
- Box springs and headboards
- Furniture seams and cracks
- Under peeling paint and loose wallpaper
- Carpeting near baseboards
- Under light switch plates or electrical outlets
How Bed Bugs Spread
Bed bugs can move from one location to another by traveling on items such as clothing, luggage, furniture, and boxes. They can easily travel between floors and rooms in hotels or apartment buildings. Bed bugs are not a sign of uncleanliness; they only need a warm host and hiding places.
Risk Factors
You are at higher risk of encountering bed bugs if you frequent places with high turnover rates, such as:
- Apartment buildings
- Dorm rooms
- Homeless shelters
- Hotels and motels
- Cruise ships and trains
- Buses and refugee camps
Bed bugs generally live for three to nine months but can survive up to 16 months in colder temperatures
Common Hiding Places
- Clothing and luggage
- Bedding and mattresses
- Box springs and headboards
- Furniture seams and cracks
- Under peeling paint and loose wallpaper
- Carpeting near baseboards
- Under light switch plates or electrical outlets
Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites
People react differently to bed bug bites. The bites are not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Small red bite marks
- Itchy, raised bumps similar to mosquito bites
- Water-filled blisters or pus-filled spots
- Wheals, similar to a nettle sting rash
- Infection around the bite area
- Rarely, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
Identifying Bed Bug Bites
To confirm bed bug bites, finding the bed bugs themselves is crucial. Bed bugs hide in mattress seams, furniture cracks, and other small gaps. If you suspect an infestation but cannot find the bugs, you may need help from a pest control specialist. Bed bug activity can also be indicated by dark brown or rust-colored droppings, which can stain materials.
Clinical Features
Bed bug bites often present as inflamed spots with a darker spot in the center, arranged in a rough line or cluster, commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and hands. Some people may not react to bed bug bites, while others may experience severe itching, blisters, or hives.
Treatment
Bed bug bites usually clear up on their own within a week. Treatments include:
- Applying a cool, damp cloth to reduce itching and swelling
- Keeping the affected area clean
- Avoiding scratching to prevent infection
- Using mild steroid creams (e.g., hydrocortisone) or antihistamines to relieve itching
Preventing Bed Bug Infestations
Self-Care Measures
- Keep luggage off the floor in hotel rooms and use provided stands
- Inspect second-hand furniture and mattresses before bringing them into your home
- Wash second-hand bedding and clothing in hot water (60°C) before use
- Declutter your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs
- Use mattress encasements to trap bed bugs in the mattress
Professional Pest Control
Bed bugs can be challenging to eradicate. Professional pest control services often use a combination of chemical and heat treatments to eliminate infestations. Repeat visits may be necessary to ensure all bed bugs and their eggs are destroyed.
References
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Bed Bugs: Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-bugs/symptoms-causes/syc-20370000
DermNet NZ. (n.d.). Bed Bugs. Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/bed-bugs
National Health Service (NHS). (n.d.). Bed Bugs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedbugs/
British Association of Dermatologists. (n.d.). Patient Information Leaflet: Bed Bugs. Retrieved from https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/bedbugs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Bed Bugs FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/index.html
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Bed Bugs: Get Them Out and Keep Them Out. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs
World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Public Health Significance of Urban Pests. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/80168
