Bed Bug

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood, with a strong preference for human hosts. After decades of near-eradication in the developed world, bed bugs have made a dramatic resurgence since the late 1990s and are now found in all 50 states. They are expert hitchhikers, traveling via luggage, clothing, furniture, and personal belongings, which means any home, hotel, or public space can be affected regardless of cleanliness. Bed bug infestations are psychologically distressing and notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional treatment. Early detection is the single most important factor in successful eradication.

Species Covered

Species Groups

Common Traits

Bed bugs are wingless, flat, oval-shaped insects roughly the size and color of an apple seed when unfed. They are nocturnal feeders that hide in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas during the day, emerging at night to feed for five to ten minutes before retreating. They can survive months without a blood meal, which makes starvation an impractical elimination strategy.

Species in This Category

Common Bed Bugs

1 species

Common bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood, with humans as their preferred host.

Tropical Bed Bugs

1 species

Tropical bed bugs are a separate species from common bed bugs that are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Bat Bugs

1 species

Bat bugs are blood-feeding parasites closely related to bed bugs that are primarily associated with bat colonies in attics, wall voids, and chimneys.

Swallow Bugs

1 species

Swallow bugs are blood-feeding parasites that infest the nests of cliff swallows, barn swallows, and purple martins.

Poultry Bugs

1 species

The Poultry Bug is a blood-feeding parasite of chickens, turkeys, and other domestic and wild birds.

All Bed Bug

Common Bed BugCimex lectularius

Tropical Bed BugCimex hemipterus

Bat BugCimex adjunctus

Swallow BugOeciacus vicarius

Poultry BugHaematosiphon inodorus

Signs of Infestation

Itchy, red bite marks in clusters or lines on exposed skin upon waking
Small rust-colored stains on sheets, pillowcases, or mattresses from crushed bugs
Tiny dark spots (fecal matter) along mattress seams, headboard joints, and nearby crevices
Live bed bugs, shed skins, or pale eggs in tufts, folds, and seams of mattresses and upholstered furniture
A sweet, musty odor in rooms with heavy infestations

Prevention

Bed bug prevention focuses on awareness and vigilance, especially during travel. Inspecting hotel rooms before unpacking, keeping luggage on hard surfaces and away from beds, and laundering travel clothing on high heat upon returning home are critical habits. At home, encasing mattresses and box springs in bed bug-proof covers eliminates major hiding spots and makes early detection easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get bed bugs even if my home is clean?

Absolutely. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or filth - they are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth that sleeping humans emit. They spread by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, furniture, and other items. A spotless home is just as vulnerable as any other if bed bugs are introduced via travel, guests, or secondhand furniture.

How did I get bed bugs?

The most common introduction points are travel (hotels, hostels, airports), visiting infested homes, purchasing secondhand furniture or clothing, and - in multi-unit buildings - migration from neighboring units through shared wall voids or plumbing chases. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be picked up virtually anywhere people sit or sleep.

Can I get rid of bed bugs on my own?

DIY bed bug elimination has a very low success rate. Over-the-counter products often fail because bed bugs hide in places sprays cannot reach, and many populations have developed resistance to common pyrethroid insecticides. Professional heat treatments or targeted chemical programs that address all life stages - eggs, nymphs, and adults - are far more reliable.

Do bed bugs transmit diseases?

Current research indicates that bed bugs are not efficient disease vectors, and no confirmed cases of disease transmission through bed bug bites have been documented. However, their bites can cause allergic reactions, secondary infections from scratching, and significant psychological distress. The health impact, while not disease-based, is nonetheless real and serious.

How long does bed bug treatment take?

Heat treatments can typically be completed in a single day, with the affected space reaching lethal temperatures (around 120 degrees Fahrenheit) sustained over several hours. Chemical treatment programs usually involve two to three visits spaced about two weeks apart to account for the egg-hatching cycle. Your technician will recommend the best approach based on the severity and scope of the infestation.

Should I throw away my mattress if I have bed bugs?

In most cases, no. Mattresses can be effectively treated and then encased in certified bed bug-proof encasements. Throwing away furniture is expensive and can actually spread the infestation if infested items are moved through the home. A pest professional can assess whether any items truly need to be discarded.

Need Help With Bed bug?

If you're seeing signs of bed bug in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.

Schedule a Free Inspection Call (417) 238-0550