Bedbugs

Cimex lectularius

Photo Courtesy of: Harvard University - Dr. Gary Alpert; Dr. Harold Harlan; Richard Pollack Photo Credit: Piotr Naskrecki

Habits

Bedbugs get their name because they like to live and feed in beds. Bedbugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures.

They can hide behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, even wall paper. They come out at night for a blood meal.

Habitat

Bedbugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, and in furniture crevices.

Threats

Although bedbugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. Bedbugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can become red, itchy welts.

Bedbugs can be found in all 50 states.

Prevention

Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Bedbugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.