Bed Bugs

This bug probably received its name from its close association with beds where it often seeks refuge during the day, only to come out at night to feed on the bed’s occupant(s).

Humans are the preferred host of bed bugs but in their absence bed bugs will feed on poultry, birds, mice, rats, guinea pigs and bats.

Although the bed bug bite is painless, most people develop an allergic reaction to the saliva injected by the bug as it feeds. It will be red, swollen, and itchy and have a dark red center. Bites are usually in a line or grouped together in small areas. Bites can happen anywhere on the body. Most commonly they occur on the areas that are exposed while sleeping such as the face, arms hands and legs.

Bed bugs harbor during the day and come out at night to feed. Typically they can be found in mattresses and box springs and their coverings, pillows, cracks and crevices in bed frames, headboards and footboards, such where other members join. Other places are any furniture, baseboards, floorboards, carpeting, behind wall paper, picture frames, clock radios, door or window frames, curtains or blinds, light switches or electrical outlets and even clothes.

Bed bug infestations are usually found in hotels, apartment complexes, college dorms, hospitals, movie theaters and stores.
Also, they have been found in transportation vehicles such as buses, trains, airplanes, and boats.