There are many types of bed bugs, but the peskiest is the “common” bed bug, Cimex lectularius, and is most frequently found in people’s homes.
Bed bug adults are a reddish-brown color and about the size of an apple seed. Their young vary in size and tend to be whitish, almost clear, with dark patches under the skin. This makes the common bed bug sometimes difficult to see.
Bed bugs prefer temperate climates, however due to the fact that they often are transported in luggage, bedding, and furniture, they are distributed all over the United States.
While they are called “Bed Bugs” for a reason, they will nest in many types of cracks and crevices including mattress seams, sheets, furniture, behind baseboards, electrical outlet plates and picture frames.
Most people get bed bugs after staying in a hotel. The bugs can crawl into suitcases and be taken home with you. When traveling, be sure to keep your luggage elevated (on a luggage rack is ideal) and away from the beds and walls. Once you arrive home, keep your luggage off of beds and store luggage far away from your bedroom. Unpack immediately when returning from a vacation, and place all clothes in the dryer for at least 20 minutes.
Yes, their bites can leave itchy welts on the skin and can cause allergic reactions.