BedBug Characteristics

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects found all over the world. They are nocturnal parasites, which means they rest during the day and are active at night. Bedbugs prefer to hide in bedding and on mattresses where they have ready access to a source of food.

Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin. Their bite is painless. Some people do not react to the bites, but for others the bites can become itchy and swell into reddened weals.

Although bedbugs can harbour diseases in their bodies, transmission to humans is highly unlikely. They are not dangerous, unless a person is allergic to them. 

Bed Bug CycleThe characteristics of a bedbug include that they:
  • are wingless
  • are half a centimetre long
  • have a flat, oval-shaped body
  • have six legs
  • are light brown in colour, changing to rust-red after a meal of blood
  • have large antennae
  • have large mouth parts
  • have a complex life-cycle involving 5 stages of development
  • have the ability to survive without feeding for months at a time
  • are susceptible to extremes of temperature

Bedbugs live exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood, but will feed on other mammals if necessary. Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide in expired air, which is how they find their host. Bedbugs commonly target the shoulders and arms.

The living areas favored by bedbugs include:
  • mattresses, particularly along the seams
  • Bed Bugbedding such as sheets and blankets
  • beneath loosened edges of wallpaper
  • between the cracks of wooden floors
  • in wall cracks or crevices
  • carpet
  • furniture, particularly in seams and cracks

The first indication of a bedbug infestation may be the presence of bites on family members. A thorough inspection of your premises, especially the common hiding spots, may also reveal:
  • the bedbugs themselves – however, due to their size, they are often hard to see
  • small bloodstains from crushed bugs on sheets or mattresses
  • rusty or dark spots of bug excrement on mattresses, bedding or walls
  • an offensive, sweet, musty odour from their scent glands, which may be detected when infestations are severe.

Our dogs are trained to detect bed bugs and are far more accurate than human-eye test. They can inspect a room in minutes with visual confirmation from their handler. We are certified through the Wisconsin Pest Control Association and the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association. If you think you have bed bugs contact us online or by phone at (608) 882-1508.


 

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects found all over the world. They are nocturnal parasites, which means they rest during the day and are active at night. Bedbugs prefer to hide in bedding and on mattresses where they have ready access to a source of food.

Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin. Their bite is painless. Some people do not react to the bites, but for others the bites can become itchy and swell into reddened weals.

Although bedbugs can harbour diseases in their bodies, transmission to humans is highly unlikely. They are not dangerous, unless a person is allergic to them. 

Bed Bug CycleThe characteristics of a bedbug include that they:
  • are wingless
  • are half a centimetre long
  • have a flat, oval-shaped body
  • have six legs
  • are light brown in colour, changing to rust-red after a meal of blood
  • have large antennae
  • have large mouth parts
  • have a complex life-cycle involving 5 stages of development
  • have the ability to survive without feeding for months at a time
  • are susceptible to extremes of temperature

Bedbugs live exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood, but will feed on other mammals if necessary. Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide in expired air, which is how they find their host. Bedbugs commonly target the shoulders and arms.

The living areas favored by bedbugs include:
  • mattresses, particularly along the seams
  • Bed Bugbedding such as sheets and blankets
  • beneath loosened edges of wallpaper
  • between the cracks of wooden floors
  • in wall cracks or crevices
  • carpet
  • furniture, particularly in seams and cracks

The first indication of a bedbug infestation may be the presence of bites on family members. A thorough inspection of your premises, especially the common hiding spots, may also reveal:
  • the bedbugs themselves – however, due to their size, they are often hard to see
  • small bloodstains from crushed bugs on sheets or mattresses
  • rusty or dark spots of bug excrement on mattresses, bedding or walls
  • an offensive, sweet, musty odour from their scent glands, which may be detected when infestations are severe.

Our dogs are trained to detect bed bugs and are far more accurate than human-eye test. They can inspect a room in minutes with visual confirmation from their handler. We are certified through the Wisconsin Pest Control Association and the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association. If you think you have bed bugs contact us online or by phone at (608) 882-1508.