Bed Bug FAQ
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that grow to approximately 8 mm in length. Bed bugs are parasitic and will look for a blood meal every 1-3 days. Although they thrive when meals are readily available, they have been known to go 80-140 days without feeding. After feeding, the insect’s body becomes enlarged and turns red. Bed bugs lay between 1-12 eggs per day. These eggs are nearly transparent and extremely small. Bed bugs cannot fly or jump. They move through a room or structure through extremely small holes, cracks, and crevices.
What are some signs of a bed bug infestation?
A thorough search of a room or structure can reveal various signs of a bed bug infestation. Some of the most easily spotted signs are:
- Small brown or reddish spots on linens or a mattress cover. The spots could be either droppings or blood spots from feeding.
- Small cast skin shells (called exuvia) in the seams of furniture and hidden crevices.
- Beg bug bites can be identified on the victim that describe red, swollen, itchy welts. These bites are usually found in groups of three and could be mistaken for mosquito bites.
Where should I look for signs of an infestation?
When infestations are small, bed bugs like to stay in, around, or near the bed. As the infestation grows, you can begin to see signs of bugs in other parts of the rooms as well.
Here are some of the most common places where you might find bed bugs:
- Under seams, creases, and folds of mattresses and box springs
- Inside cracks and seams of the bed frames and headboard
- Under and inside chairs, couches, and other room furniture
- Between the folds of curtains
- Inside drawers
- Inside cracks in wall coverings and plaster
- Behind electric outlet plates
How do I treat a bed bug infestation?
The best way to treat bed bugs is by using professional-quality bed bug heat systems. Bed bugs are extremely susceptible to heat and can be eradicated quickly and easily during a successful heat treatment. You can kill bed bugs yourself by renting professional-quality bed bug heaters from a RentBedBugHeaters.com provider in your area. You can also purchase heat systems from or become a RBBH provider and provide heat treatments to clients in your state. For more information about heat treatments, visit Convectex.com or become a RBBH provider in your area.