Bed Bugs | novascotia.ca – Government of Nova Scotia, Canada

What Are Bed Bugs?

An oval-shaped bug with a short broad head, bed bugs feed on blood. When they havent eaten, bed bugs look like an apple seed and are about 6 to 10 mm long. Once they eat they turn dark red and swell in size.

Nymphs are shaped like adults but are yellowish white in color. Bed bug eggs are white (about 1 mm long) and pear shaped. The eggs have a sticky coating and are deposited in cracks and crevices.

Can bed bugs make me sick?

Bed bugs do not spread disease and most people dont even know they have been bitten. For those who are sensitive to bed bug bites, they may have an allergic reaction such as itchy welts or small red bumps.

Most bed bug bites go away on their own and do not require treatment. Keep the area clean and do not scratch. If the bites are very itchy a physician may prescribe cream or antihistamines to relieve the itchiness.

How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Adult bed bugs are large enough to see. During the early stages of an infestation bed bugs are more likely to be found on box springs, mattresses, headboards and upholstered furniture. As they spread, they may hide behind baseboards, pictures, wall paper, window and door frames. Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices during the day and come out to feed at night.

A quick and easy first step to check for bed bugs is to put double-sided tape around your bed or furniture. When the bed bugs walk across it, they will become stuck. They tend to walk where pipes and electrical sockets break the walls, along baseboards and under carpet edges. If you see a bed bug, wait before killing it and see where it is going. It may lead you to a nest that may be hidden.

Signs to look for are:

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Bed Bugs | novascotia.ca - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada