How to Identify and Kill Bed Bugs
Is there anything worse than a pest that strikes while you sleep? We don’t think so! If you’ve found yourself dealing with bed bugs (or fear you might), this guide will walk you through how to identify, eliminate, and prevent them—with confidence.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human (and sometimes pet) blood, typically while you sleep. The species most commonly found in homes is Cimex lectularius, also known as the common bed bug. This species tends to feed exclusively on human blood (and the blood of household pets, too).
It’s believed that the common bed bug evolved from a similar parasitic insect, the bat bug, in Mediterranean Europe and the Middle East thousands of years ago. Because they feed on human blood, they tend to be seen mostly in areas with higher human populations. They are more common in developing countries, though outbreaks occasionally occur in developed countries, too.
In the Western world, their populations had diminished drastically in size during the second half of the 20th century, thanks to technological advances and improved living conditions. However, they have seen a resurgence in recent years.
Where Do You Find Bedbugs?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They can tag along on:
- Luggage and backpacks
- Secondhand furniture and clothes
- Hotel bedding
- Public transportation upholstery
Once inside, they hide in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, headboards, baseboards, and even behind wallpaper. They’re mostly nocturnal and come out at night to feed.
In apartments, bed bugs can spread between units through walls, ceilings, vents, and electrical outlets—so even tidy homes aren’t immune.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Contrary to popular belief, all life stages of the bed bug—from egg to nymph to adult—are visible to the naked eye, though adults reach no more than 1/4-inch in length.
- Adults: Flat, oval, reddish-brown, about 1/4 inch long (size of an apple seed)
- Nymphs: Smaller and paler; they turn red after feeding
- Eggs: White, pinhead-sized, sticky, and hard to spot
Bed bugs shed their skin as they grow, so shed exoskeletons are a telltale sign of an infestation
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Often, you’ll become aware of bed bugs because of the appearance of red bites on your body. If you notice a bite, look around the seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and nearby furniture. Check for clues:
- Red or rust-colored spots on sheets (bug feces or crushed bugs)
- Tiny dark specks (droppings) near mattress seams or headboards
- Molted exoskeletons or live bugs in mattress folds
- Musty, sweet odor (in heavy infestations)
- Bites on exposed skin are often in clusters or rows
Bed Bug Bites
Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites. When they do, symptoms may include:
- Small, red, itchy welts (often in lines or clusters)
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Rash-like irritation
Bites typically appear on arms, legs, neck, face, and back. Fortunately, bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but the itching and anxiety can disrupt sleep and comfort.
Do not confuse bed bug bites with chigger bites. Chiggers are outdoor bugs.
Christopher Burnett
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