Daily Archives: July 2, 2015

Bedbugs Bedbugs Overview

A bedbug is a small, blood-sucking parasite that feeds on mammals and birds. Bedbugs belong to the insect family Cimicidae, and although there are several different species, the most common species associated with human infestations are Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus. There has been a recent resurgence in bedbug infestations worldwide, particularly in developed countries, including the United States.

Adult bedbugs are reddish brown in color, flat, oval-shaped, and approximately 4-5 millimeters in length. Immature bedbugs (nymphs) may be translucent or light tan in color. Bedbugs are often more red in color after feeding. Bedbugs are attracted by warmth, and they generally feed during the night, often just before dawn. They tend to feed every five to 10 days, though they can survive without feeding for several months. Bedbugs pierce the skin and inject saliva which contains anesthetics and anticoagulants into the host which often make their bites painless initially. After feeding on the host's blood for several minutes, bedbugs will retreat to their hiding place. They will generally try to remain within close range of their warm-blooded host. Affected individuals may feel and see the consequences of the bedbug bite sometime afterward. Though bedbug transmission of human diseases is theoretically possible, it has not yet been definitively established.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 2/23/2015

See the article here:
Bedbugs: See What Bites Look Like and Learn the Treatment