Bed Bugs | North Carolina Cooperative Extension

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Written By Peg Godwin and last updated by Jennifer Stroud

Bed bugs are an increasing problem as they have found their way into homes, hospitals, hotels and other places. Bed bugs can infest any home regardless of income or maintenance. Increased travel and tourism is one factor in the problem.

Bed bugs often hitchhike into homes on clothing, luggage or used furniture. When traveling inspect the furniture and bedding for bed bugs. Place suitcases in the bathtub or a tiled floor while inspecting the room. Bed bugs usually hide during the day in mattresses as well as cracks and crevices. They are most often found in and around the bed in infested homes. Look for the insects themselves and also for black spots that can be droppings. When inspecting mattresses and box springs paying attention to seams. Check behind mirrors and pictures on the wall as well as in curtains. Pull out drawers when looking inside the furniture as well as check cracks and screw holes.

Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown in color and are small in the shape of flatted ovals. Blood filled adults are engorged and dull red. Immatures resemble the adults but are less than 3/16 of an inch long. Newly hatched nymphs are almost colorless after hatching from a white oval egg.

Bed bugs can feed and breed year round when conditions are favorable. Eggs hatch in about a week at temperatures above 70 degrees but take almost a month in cooler temperatures. Bed bugs have an average life span of 4 months.

Many of the products available are not completely effective or can be hazardous if misused. Pest management professionals can confirm bed bug infestation and discuss control options.

Bed bugs are a nuisance but can be controlled. They do not burrow into the skin nor transmit diseases. Bites on the body can be an indication of infestation. For more information look for https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/bedbugs.htm.

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Bed Bugs | North Carolina Cooperative Extension

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