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What are bedbugs? -

Bedbugs are insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Adult bedbugs are reddish-brown, while younger ones are smaller and can appear translucent or yellowish. Bedbug eggs are tiny and white.

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What's in a name? -

The Latin name for bedbugs is Cimex lectularius, which means "bug of the bed."

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How big are bedbugs? -

An adult bedbug is roughly five to seven millimeters long, or about the size of an apple seed.

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Bedbugs aren't invisible, but they can easily be missed -

It can be difficult to spot bedbugs, since they're expert hiders. But if you notice tiny black flecks, then you can surely suspect bedbugs, as that's their fecal matter. Also, if you're looking for them, check crevices and creases in your mattress.

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Bedbugs don't just live in your bed -

Because bedbugs are nocturnal, they often hide in wall voids or other dark places, like cracks and crevices.

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Not everyone shows signs of bedbug bites -

Bedbugs leave a cluster of itchy bites on your skin, often on your arms or shoulders. However, only 30% of humans exhibit any sort of signs of bedbug bites. Many simply don't have a reaction to their bites.

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Bedbugs don't transmit diseases -

While bedbugs carry disease, they don't transmit them to humans. However, possible excessive itching left from their bites can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

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Bedbugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide you breathe -

Why do bedbugs enjoy invading our beds? Well, they’re attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans exhale. This is why they'll often hide in the wall voids of our bedrooms and emerge during nighttime.

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Bedbugs can and do come out during the day -

Here's a creepy fact: bedbugs will alter their schedule to come out during the day if that's when you sleep!

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Bedbug can live as long as a year without eating -

Bedbugs are some of the hardest pests to get rid of. That could be partly thanks to the extreme length of time that they can survive without eating. It's thought that they can survive for as long as a year without a blood meal.

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Bedbugs can survive in extreme temperatures -

Bedbugs have been around for thousands of years in every region of the world. They can survive in heat of up to 113°F (45°C), and chilly temperatures as low as 46°F (7°C).

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Bedbugs reproduce quickly -

Got bedbugs? You'll soon have more if you don't deal with the problem. Each female bedbug lays around 200 to 250 eggs in her life span, which lasts about four months.

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Who can get bedbugs? -

Anyone can get bedbugs. It has nothing to do with personal hygiene. They're not associated with poor housekeeping or a certain poverty level.

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Can dogs smell bedbugs? -

Just like bomb-sniffing and drug-sniffing dogs, well-trained and properly handled canines can track down bedbugs because they're taught to identify the scent.

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Prevention and control -

You don't want to wait to see bedbugs! Click on for how to prevent them from appearing in the first place.

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Make sure you really have bedbugs -

Be sure they're not fleas, ticks, or other insects. To compare, you can look up images online, or contact an extension agent, as they're trained in pest control issues.

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Don't panic! -

It can be difficult to eliminate bedbugs, but it's not impossible. So don't throw out all of your things, because most of them can be treated and saved.

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Don't reach for the spray -

The truth is bedbugs are resilient, and there are no magic sprays that will get rid of a bedbug infestation.

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Bedbugs should be handled by a professional -

At the first sign of a bedbug infestation, you should call a professional pest control company. DIY solutions are often unsuccessful and can actually worsen the situation.

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Clean up the clutter -

A cluttered home provides more places for bedbugs to hide. It also makes locating and treating them harder.

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Regularly wash and heat-dry your bedsheets, blankets, bedspreads, and any clothing that touches the floor -

This reduces the number of bedbugs. Also, bedbugs and their eggs can hide in laundry containers, so make sure to clean them, too!

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Don't pass your bedbugs on to others -

If you throw out a mattress or furniture that has bedbugs in it, you should slash or in some way destroy it. This way, no one else takes it and gets bedbugs themselves.

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Reduce the number of bedbugs to reduce bites -

Vacuuming can get rid of some of your bedbugs. Carefully vacuum rugs, floors, upholstered furniture, bed frames, under beds, around bed legs, and all cracks and crevices around the room.

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Don't store items under your bed -

Storing items under your bed creates opportunities for bedbugs to hide near your mattress.

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Store items in plastic containers -

Bedbugs find it difficult to crawl on smooth surfaces such as glass or plastic. Storing your items in a plastic container or plastic bag helps to prevent spreading.

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Dust mite-proof encasement -

Cover your mattress or box spring in dust mite-proof encasement. This will create a barrier between you and any potential bedbugs.

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Wash clothes and luggage after traveling -

Ensure your travels don't bring home a bedbug. Immediately wash your clothes and clean any luggage upon returning home.

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Keep clothes off the bed -

It's best to keep your clothes off any beds if you want to prevent bedbugs from coming into your home. Also, instead of placing guests' coats on your bed, hang them in the coat closet instead, for instance.

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Avoid taking furniture from curbs or dumpsters -

A free couch on the side of the road can be tempting, but bringing it into your home can lead to a serious bedbug infestation

Sources: (CDC) (EPA)

See also: Disturbing things that happen if you stop cleaning your home

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