Bed Bug Identification Guide

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are blood-sucking pests that belong to the family Cimicidae and feed on the blood of mammals – and humans are their favorite hosts! Bed bugs in New Haven have reddish-brown, oval-shaped bodies and are about 1/4 of an inch long. They are wingless but have six legs and two well-developed antennae. Immature bed bugs (nymphs) look like adults but are smaller and are a pale yellow until they have their first blood meal.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs, while not considered dangerous, do cause some serious problems for people when they live in our homes or businesses. Bed bugs bite us and feed on our blood as we sleep, and their presence causes sleepless nights and anxious days. Although bed bugs do harbor some disease-causing pathogens, they aren’t a big concern. People who are allergic to their saliva, however, develop a raised rash that is very itchy and may lead to a secondary infection that requires medical attention. Additionally, bed bugs stain things like floors, walls, bedding, furniture, mattresses, box springs, and other personal property with their excrement and droplets of blood.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

The most common reason bed bugs are in your home is because they have hitchhiked their way in on your bags, clothing, or other personal belongings. Any person who comes into contact with bed bugs will unknowingly introduce these pests into their home, and even just a couple of bed bugs that get into your home can create a sizable infestation quickly. Bed bugs are active at night and hide during the day, allowing them to expand their numbers before you even realize they are in your home.

Where will I find bed bugs?

Bed bugs live wherever there are people. They thrive in homes, apartment complexes, dormitories, hospitals, hotels, movie theaters, shopping centers, schools, and airports. Indoors, bed bugs initially invade sleeping areas and then move throughout the house over time, invading multiple rooms. Common hiding spots for them include the seams of mattresses and box springs, cracks in the walls and floors, behind electrical outlets, in electronics, behind baseboards, and in upholstered furniture.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Here at Connecticut Pest Elimination, our dedicated and licensed pest technicians provide the comprehensive pest control services needed to eliminate bed bugs and other common pests and keep them from returning! Guard your home or business against pests with the help of a local, full-service pest control company with over 27 years of experience. For more information about our commercial and residential pest control services, reach out to Connecticut Pest Elimination today!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

In addition to our professional home pest control and commercial exterminator services, the following prevention tips will help you to avoid problems with bed bugs here in Connecticut:

• Regularly wash all bedding, and always wash and dry clothing on the highest heating setting the fabrics can handle.
• Place bed bug proof covers on all mattresses and box springs in your home.
• Never place personal belongings on the floor in any public space.
• Do not purchase used furniture, mattresses, or box springs for use in your home.
• When at school, work, or the gym, always keep your personal belongings away from other people’s personal belongings.