The Guide to Understanding Bed Bugs

This guide is designed to help you diagnose whether or not you may have bed bugs. Inspired by questions and Bed Bug ID’s raised in r/Bedbugs. I hope I can answer all your questions!

So, you think you’ve got bed bugs?

You’ve woken up to a fresh set of itchy bites, or you’ve probably seen very tiny insects crawling over your furniture, and you have no idea what it is.

Do not freak out, Bed bugs are more common than you think, they affect every household regardless of income or lifestyle.

What are Bed Bugs

A bed bug is a very small bug (but visible), that resides anywhere they can find in your home. These non-rent paying pests typically hide in your furniture’s and bed mattress.

Culprit Features: Color: Reddish- Brown

Size: 30 – 45mm

Legs: 6

Favorite meal: Blood



Bed Bug Identification:

What to look for:

1) Concentration of usually 2-3 bites in an area.

2) Blood stains on sheets.

3) These little critters are cunning when it comes to hide and seek; you may not see them directly, but keep an eye out for:

Small Bed Bug Casings

Bed Bug Droppings

Bed Bug Eggs / Larvae

4) The actual bed bug culprit.



What to do?- Damage Control

Immediately remove all infested furnitures and clothing out of your home.

Vacuum seal and cover all infected clothing. Wash all contaminated clothing at HIGH temperatures (Typically 120 Degrees Fahrenheit).

(Typically 120 Degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid Foggers. This may make an infestation worse – Bed bugs are likely to spread.



Identifying a Bed Bug Bite:

How to get rid of Bed Bug Bites – Home and product remedies of how to get rid and reduce rid of bed bug bites and scars.

Bed Bug Bites – Know the difference

Spider Bites – Spider bites are typically one large lump.

Chigger Bites – Chigger bites are far more itchy and painful; the burrow holes can be visible.

Bed Bug Preventions (and Elimination)

Bed Bug Encasement – Isolate Bedbugs from further spreading and deprive them of food.

Bed Bug Spray – Can be used to eliminate or reduce bed bugs at early stages of infestation.

Bed bug Isopropyl Alcohol Spray – A slight more novel approach, it can be used to control a bed bug infestation. However, it’s not really an efficient method.

Worse Case Scenario Call an Exterminator – If you wish to seek professional help, the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs is calling up a professional exterminator. It is always good to know what procedure they would use, either chemical or controlled heat treatments.

FAQ