Common Bed Bugs
Common bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood, with humans as their preferred host. They are one of the most difficult household pests to eliminate and have made a dramatic resurgence since the late 1990s. Adults are the size of an apple seed and hide in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and headboards during the day, emerging at night to feed. A single female can produce 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime, and infestations can establish from a single introduced pregnant female. They are transported in luggage, furniture, clothing, and personal belongings.
Species in This Group (1)
Key Behaviors
Bed bugs are obligate blood feeders that detect hosts by carbon dioxide, body heat, and chemical cues. They feed for 5 to 10 minutes, typically while the host sleeps, then return to their harborage. Fecal spots (small dark stains), shed skins, and a sweet, musty odor characterize infested areas. They cannot fly or jump but are efficient hitchhikers on luggage, furniture, and clothing. Infestations spread between adjacent apartments through wall voids, electrical outlets, and plumbing penetrations.
Risks & Concerns
Bed bug bites cause itchy, red welts that can lead to secondary infection from scratching. While they are not known to transmit disease, the psychological impact of bed bug infestations is severe, causing anxiety, insomnia, and reduced quality of life. Infestations in hotels, multifamily housing, and public facilities carry significant economic and reputational costs. Professional treatment combining chemical and non-chemical methods is typically required for elimination.
Identification Tip
Commonly confused with bat bugs, which are morphologically nearly identical but are associated with bat roosts rather than human sleeping areas. Also confused with carpet beetle larvae, booklice, and swallow bugs. Professional identification under magnification is often needed to distinguish bed bugs from bat bugs.
Need Help With Common bed bugs?
If you're seeing signs of common bed bugs 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.