Bed bugs are not known to transmit any infectious diseases. Their bite looks like the bite of most blood-sucking insects and may cause some skin irritation. Some bites might not be noticed, while others turn into larger sores.

Bed bugs are insects that feed on the blood of people and animals. They are small, flat, brown, and oval. They do not have wings.

Yes, if there is a bedbug on you or crawling around on your sheets, you will likely see it. The problem is that bedbugs do not often just crawl around in the open. They stay well hidden in tight spaces during the day, and come out only at night for feeding; however, the nymph stages and eggs are quite small and very hard to see.

Signs of bed bug infestation may be: Darker (reddish or brownish) spots or smears on bed sheets, pillowcases, mattresses or in nearby areas from bed bug feces; A distinct musty odor; Small, itchy red bumps on your skin from bed bug bites.

Bed bug eggs are white and pear-shaped. When they first hatch, bed bugs are clear, and lighter in color. As they get older, they become browner. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, flat, and oval. If you look closely, you can see short, golden-colored hairs. Bed bugs do not have wings. They give off a musty, sweetish odor. After they eat, they become swollen and dark red.

Everyone is at risk for getting bedbugs when visiting an infected area. However, anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and or spreading a bedbug infestation.

Wash the area of the bite with an antiseptic soap to reduce infection, and resist the urge to scratch. Contact your health provider if the bite becomes infected.

Bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown, oval insects up to 4 to 5 mm long or the size of an apple seed.

Bed bugs have been able to survive up to a year without a meal. They prefer to be more active at night when the host is asleep.

Bed bugs are found in cracks and crevices, including mattress seams, sheets, furniture, behind baseboards, electrical outlet plates and picture frames.