Bed Bug

Category:

Actual Size: Less than 6 mm

Characteristics: Oval, flat, and mahogany brown to red-brown.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: No

Habitat: Single-family homes, apartments, hotels, hospitals, schools and college campuses, office buildings, retail stores, movie theaters, and even public transportation.

Habits: 

  • Bites are painless and often go undetected.
  • Feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and mammals.
  • When disturbed, gives off a musty, sweet odor from their scent glands.


Bed Bugs in Flushing NY

Bed bugs are found everywhere in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii, and they’re not strangers to Flushing. As nocturnal insects that feed exclusively on blood, they prefer humans but will also feed on birds and mammals. Bed bugs are adept at hiding and can remain undetected for long periods in cracks and crevices in your home. Bed bugs wait for their host to fall fast asleep before coming out to feed. They can live for a year or longer without a blood meal. If you do get it, it’s painless, so you’re unlikely to notice until later if the bite starts to itch.

Bed Bug Habitat

Bed bugs live in groups. You’re unlikely to ever find just one. They choose to make their homes in areas near where humans sleep or rest for extended periods of time. You can bring a bed bug infestation home unwittingly via luggage or overnight bags when you travel. Once inside, they’ll take up residence in cracks or crevices where you’re unlikely to find them, or you may find them in the seams of bedding or furniture. Houses, hotels, apartment buildings, colleges, medical facilities, and other areas frequented by the public are potential sources for bed bug infestations, so be aware if you’re visiting one of these!

Bed Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although bed bugs are highly unpleasant, they don’t spread disease and their bites are fairly harmless. Some people may experience an allergic reaction if they get a multitude of bed bug bites. If that’s you, seek medical attention. Some people don’t notice any symptoms of bed bug bites at all, but most get a welt-like swelling from them. Multiple bites can appear in a straight line or clusters on the skin. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, laying dozens to hundreds of eggs at a time. Bed bug eggs hatch in about one week to seven days, emerging as bed bug nymphs.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it is recommended you contact a professional bed bug exterminator as soon as possible.