Having bed bugs is not good news. But how to make sure the insects you see are really bed bugs ?
Bed bugs are small, flattened insects with a reddish-brown hue and an oval-shaped body. They are roughly the size of an apple seed and have six legs, two antennae, and a pair of wings, although they are unable to fly.
Their flat, flexible bodies allow them to easily hide in the crevices and cracks of beds, furniture, and other household items. They are nocturnal creatures, emerging at night to feed on the blood of their hosts while dreaming.
Distinct, musty odor
When they are well-fed, bed bugs are plump and swollen, with a reddish-purple coloration. However, when they are hungry, they become thin and translucent, almost appearing ghostly in their pallor.
They have a distinct, musty odor that is often associated with infested areas. This odor comes from their scent glands, which they use to mark their territory and communicate with each other.
Bed bugs are highly resilient, with a lifespan of up to a year in the right conditions. They can survive for long periods without food and are resistant to many common pesticides.
They are skilled at hiding and are often difficult to detect until an infestation is well-established. To look for them, one should carefully inspect the seams, crevices, and tufts of mattresses, as well as other areas where they may hide.
Their bites are typically painless, but can cause swelling, redness, and irritation in some individuals. They are most commonly found in areas of the body that are exposed while sleeping, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands.
In conclusion, bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects with a flattened body and six legs. They are nocturnal and feed on the blood of their hosts, leaving behind a distinct, musty odor. They are skilled at hiding and can be difficult to detect until an infestation is well-established.
