About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are about 1⁄4 inch long
and reddish brown to dark brown
in color.
M. Potter, University of Kentucky

Bed bugs, once nearly eradicated as a common pest, are reappearing in record numbers across the United States and around the world. Bed bug infestations have been most commonly reported in motels, hotels, dormitories, apartments, shelters and transport vehicles, but can also infest homes.

In order to prevent the spread of these pests and treat them effectively, it is important to understand their biology and behavior.

Bed bugs typically have the following characteristics:

Appearance and activity

• Adults are about ¼ inch long and reddish brown to dark brown in color
• Oval, flattened bodies that resemble apple seeds
• Cannot fly, but can run quickly and disperse throughout a structure
• Spread easily by “hitchhiking” on people, clothing and luggage
• Females lay 1 to 5 eggs per day and 200 to 500 eggs in a lifetime – development to adult can be completed in just 5 weeks

Feeding habits

• Feed at night using a piercing beak, but victims may not feel anything or have any reaction to their bites
• Prefer to feed on humans, but will feed on other animals, including pets such as dogs, cats and birds
• Can live for more than a year without a blood meal
• Are not known to spread any diseases

Bed Bugs Featured on "Today" Show Segment