Bed bugs are small insects that feed on your blood, often causing itchy bites. They often live around your bed and travel on clothing, furniture, bedding and luggage. While they do not transmit diseases, they are distressing and can be difficult to get rid of.
The name “bed bug” comes from the preferred habitat of Cimex lectularius: warm houses and especially nearby or inside of beds and bedding or other sleep areas. Bed bugs are mainly active at night but are not exclusively nocturnal. They usually feed on their hosts without being noticed.
- Bed bugs do not spread disease but their bites can become red, itchy welts
- Bed bugs can consume 2-5 times their own body weight in blood
- They can hitchhike from one place to another in backpacks, clothing, luggage, books and other items
- Unlike head lice, they usually do not live on a person