If you suspect a bed bug problem, it's important to first confirm that you really have bed bugs. Heavy bed bug infestations can cause a sweet, musty smell. Bed bugs often leave evidence of small dark stains (fecal droppings) and rusty red spots (bloodstains) on bedding sheets, mattresses, and other areas they hide in or travel along. You may be able to find them hiding within the cracks and crevices of beds, furniture, floors, and walls. Bed bugs typically infest mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and couches. However, these itchy bites can take as long as 14 days to develop in some people, so it's important to look for other clues if you are concerned about an infestation. Itchy swollen bites may be the first sign of a bed bug problem. Wash all your clothes in hot water and put them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Take your clothes from the plastic bags and place them directly into the washing machine. Upon returning home, keep your luggage in an isolated area, such as the garage. Bed bugs may also travel between apartments through small crevices, cracks, and ventilation ducts in walls and floors.

Bed bugs can hitch a ride on items purchased second-hand, or from furniture and bedding that is delivered to your home. People often bring bed bugs into their homes via infested luggage, furniture, bedding, or clothing. How do I prevent bed bugs from entering my home? Anxiety, insomnia, and irritability have been reported in some people. Bed bugs may also affect a person's mental health. Scratching the bites can lead to infection. However, some people are more sensitive to the bites and develop itchy, red welts. No, there are no known cases of infectious disease transmitted by bed bug bites. Bed bugs don't fly, but can quickly walk across floors, walls, and other surfaces.

During the bed bug life cycle, a female can lay 200-400 eggs depending on food supply and temperature. They feed for about 3-10 minutes and their bodies swell and become bright red. Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 of an inch long, have flat, rusty-red-colored oval bodies, and look like an apple seed. Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on our blood, typically at night, while we are sleeping.

Bugs that look like bed bugs