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Bed Bugs

Identification, Habits, and Control
Closeup photo of a Bed Bug on white background

About Bed Bugs

Family: Cimex lectularius

Bed bugs are small, hard-to-detect pests that feed on human blood, typically at night. They’re most often found in sleeping or resting areas like beds, couches, and upholstered furniture—but they can spread throughout a home or business if left untreated.

Bed bugs are not a sign of poor cleanliness. They’re commonly introduced through travel, luggage, furniture, or shared spaces. Once inside, they can be difficult to eliminate without professional treatment, and infestations can grow quickly.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Size

  • Adults are approximately 1/4 inch long (about the size of an apple seed)
  • Nymphs (young bed bugs) are much smaller and nearly translucent
  • Eggs are tiny, about 1 mm, and difficult to see without close inspection

Color

  • Reddish-brown in adults, especially after feeding
  • Unfed bed bugs appear lighter brown or tan
  • Nymphs are pale or translucent, turning red after a blood meal

Identifying Characteristics

  • Flat, oval-shaped bodies that swell after feeding
  • No wings, but move quickly across surfaces
  • Leave small rust-colored stains or dark spotting (fecal marks)
  • Shed skins and tiny white eggs found in hiding areas

Where You’ll Find Them

  • Mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames
  • Headboards, upholstered furniture, and cushions
  • Cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture
  • Behind baseboards, electrical outlets, and picture frames

Bed Bug Behavior and Risks

Bed bugs are nocturnal pests that hide during the day and emerge at night to feed on human blood, most often while people are sleeping. They stay close to their hosts, which is why they are typically found in and around beds and other resting areas. Rather than building nests, bed bugs gather in tight, hidden spaces and spread easily through luggage, furniture, clothing, and shared environments.

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching, irritation, and allergic reactions in some individuals. Ongoing infestations may lead to sleep disruption and stress. Because they reproduce quickly and are highly effective at hiding, populations can grow rapidly if not addressed. Their ability to spread between rooms, units, and buildings makes them a persistent issue in homes, hotels, apartments, and other high-turnover environments.

A friendly Cook's Pest Control technician smiling outside a residential home.

How Cook’s Can Help

If you notice bites overnight, spot stains on bedding, or are concerned about bed bugs after travel or guests, it’s important to act quickly. Bed bugs spread easily and are difficult to eliminate without the right approach.

Effective bed bug control involves more than surface treatment–it requires a thorough inspection to identify hiding areas and targeted treatments designed to treat all life stages. Our technicians provide detailed inspections and proven treatment solutions to get rid of bed bugs and restore comfort to your home or business.

Learn About Residential Bed Bug Control
Learn About Commercial Bed Bug Control

Take the First Step Toward a Pest-Free Home or Business

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

Common signs include bites on exposed skin, small blood stains on sheets, dark spotting on mattresses, and shed skins or live bugs in seams and crevices near sleeping areas.

Where do bed bugs hide?
Bed bugs typically hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and furniture, but they can also be found in cracks in walls, behind baseboards, and in other tight spaces near where people rest.
Are bed bugs caused by poor cleanliness?

No. Bed bugs are not related to cleanliness and can affect any home or business. Usually, they’re introduced through travel, luggage, used furniture, or shared spaces.

Can you get rid of bed bugs on your own?
DIY treatments may reduce visible activity, but effective treatment is difficult without a trained professional. Missing even a small number of bed bugs can allow the infestation to return.
How fast do bed bugs spread?
Bed bugs can spread quickly by moving between rooms, attaching to belongings, or traveling through walls and shared spaces, especially in multi-unit buildings.
When should you call a professional for bed bugs?
At the first sign of activity. Early treatment helps prevent the infestation from spreading and increases the likelihood of complete elimination.