Learn about Bedbugs

Bedbugs (also known as “bed bugs”) are small, elusive, parasitic insects of the family Cimicidae. The insects in this family live by feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. The name ‘bedbug’ comes from the insect’s preferred habitat of infesting houses and especially beds or other common areas, such as couches and sofas, where people may sleep. Bedbugs, though not entirely nocturnal, are primarily active at night and are capable of feeding unnoticed on their hosts.

The fact that Bedbugs are usually nocturnal can make them elusive and hard to spot. They can hide in dark crevices, and their eggs as well can be hidden in fabric seams. Aside from tiny bite symptoms, signs include fecal spots, blood smears on sheets, as well as molts. Bedbugs can be found on their own but more often they tend to congregate. They prefer to remain close to hosts, in or near beds or couches, but nesting locations can vary greatly, including luggage, vehicles, furniture and even in bedside clutter. Bedbugs may also choose to nest near animals that have nested within a dwelling, for example, bats, birds, or rodents.

While mostly eradicated from the U.S. in the 1930’s and 40’s, bedbugs have been making a resurgence since the mid 1990’s. The reason for the resurgence is not well understood, but may be related to the bedbugs developing a resistance to certain pesticide’s, and also to the bedbugs being inadvertently transported back into the U.S. by international travelers.