Bed Bug

(Bed Bug - Cimex lectularius)

Crawling Insect

Meet the Bed Bug

Small, flat, reddish-brown insects feeding on blood (primarily human)... Infest bedrooms, hotels, transport... Wingless, 4-5mm... Nocturnal, bite exposed skin during sleep, leaving itchy welts...

Bed Bug

Habitat and Behavior

Expert hitchhikers (luggage, clothing)... Hide in tight crevices near sleeping areas: mattress seams, furniture, wall cracks, behind wallpapers... Can survive months without feeding... Drawn by body heat and CO2...

Bed Bug Lifecycle

Life Cycle

Incomplete metamorphosis: Egg (tiny, whitish), Nymph (smaller versions, need blood meals to molt, 5 stages), Adult (lives several months, reproduces).

Signs of Infestation

Look for: Bite marks (red, itchy bumps in rows/clusters), Blood stains (rusty spots on sheets), Fecal spots (dark dots near hiding places), Shed skins, Musty odor (sweet, unpleasant).

Signs of Bed Bug Infestation

Health Risks

  • Allergic reactions: Severe itching or rashes in some people.
  • Sleep disruption: Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia.
  • Secondary infections: From scratching bites.
  • Psychological stress: Fear and anxiety.
  • Damage to business reputation (hospitality).

Prevention Tips

  • Inspect luggage and clothing after travel.
  • Regularly vacuum mattresses, sofas, carpets.
  • Use mattress and pillow encasements.
  • Inspect second-hand furniture thoroughly.
  • Check bed corners and headboards periodically.
  • Wash bed linens in hot water, dry on high heat.