Few insects are as despised as the bed bug, and for good reason. Bed bugs—scientifically known as Cimex lectularius L.—are small, brownish bugs that collect their daily nutrients from the blood of humans while we sleep. Talk about an actual nightmare. Often associated with dirty, unkempt living spaces, bed bugs have been demonized to the point that people who deal with an infestation feel ashamed, as if it’s their fault. However, contrary to popular belief, bed bugs don’t discriminate against anyone, as they can find their way into even the cleanest of homes.

Roughly the size of an apple seed, adult bed bugs are oval shaped and reddish-brown in color. Measuring between 3/16- to 1/4-inch long, these bugs become elongated and bloated after feeding. Identified as a “true bug,” bed bugs feature a beak, antennae, unused wings, and short, golden-hued hairs. Adult bed bugs also give off a sweet, musty odor from the glands on the underside of their bodies. Young bed bugs, otherwise known as nymphs, are smaller than adult bed bugs and are usually whitish-yellow or translucent in color. These young insects can almost appear invisible to the naked eye if they haven’t fed recently.

Although bed bugs don’t have nests, they tend to gather in areas that can be marked by dark spotting and staining of dried excrement. Eggs, shells, brownish skins of nymphs, and the bugs themselves will be present. With a bed bug infestation, insects leave the following telltale signs behind: Reddish, rust-colored stains Bed bug excrement, which leaves behind dark, ink-like spots Shedded (molted) nymph skins Bed bug eggs or egg shells Live bed bugs

If you suspect bed bugs have invaded your area, it’s best to check every nook and cranny to see how far they’ve spread. The most common areas bed bugs thrive in include: Bedsheets, Mattresses, Couch or chair seams, Drawer joints, Underneath loose wallpaper, Near electrical outlets and Around door frames.

Our professional pest exterminators are trained specialists who will give Prompt Estimates. Unlike most pest control companies our trusted technicians follow specific steps when assessing your pest problems so we can recommend the right type of pest control methods. Call now to talk to one of our pest control experts so that we can come out and help you get rid of those pesky pests