Bedbugs: What They Are and How to Identify, Prevent, and Control Them

What Are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human and animal blood while you sleep. Though they cannot fly or jump, they spread quickly by hitchhiking on luggage, furniture, clothing, and bedding. Bedbugs cannot easily climb metal or polished surfaces, making certain furniture materials less vulnerable.

How to Identify Bedbugs

• Adult bedbugs are flat, oval-shaped insects measuring up to 10 mm long. They are brown in color, turning dark red after feeding.
  
  

• Nymphs (young bedbugs) look like adults but are smaller (about 1.5 mm) and lighter in color.
  
  

• Bedbug eggs are tiny (1 mm), white, and hard to spot. Female bedbugs lay up to 200 eggs in their lifetime, often hiding them in cracks, crevices, behind baseboards, and furniture joints.
  
  

Bedbug Behavior: How They Feed and Where They Hide

Bedbugs are nocturnal and are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale. They feed at night, often without being noticed, and prefer warm, hidden locations near sleeping areas, such as:

• Mattress seams and box springs
  
  

• Behind headboards and nightstands
  
  

• Inside electrical outlets and wall cracks
  
  

• Under loose wallpaper or carpet edges
  
  

Despite feeding on blood, bedbugs can survive several months to over a year without feeding, especially in cooler environments. Adult bedbugs can live up to 10–18 months, making them difficult to eliminate without proper intervention.

🦟 Bedbug Bites: What to Know

• Bedbug bites may not appear immediately and can take up to 14 days to show.
  
  

• Bites often appear on exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, chest, and legs.
  
  

• Some individuals experience no reaction, while others may have red, itchy welts or allergic reactions.
  
  

• Bedbugs do not transmit diseases, but scratching can lead to infection.
  
  

How to Treat Bedbug Bites

• Avoid scratching to prevent infection
  
  

• Clean the area with soap and water
  
  

• Apply antiseptic cream or antihistamines
  
  

• Speak to a healthcare provider for severe symptoms
  
  

Bedbug infestations can also cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, and stress. If you're experiencing mental health issues due to a bedbug problem, speak with a professional.

🛡️ How to Prevent and Control Bedbug Infestations

Prevention Tips

• Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it indoors
  
  

• Keep bedding, mattresses, and pillows clean and sealed
  
  

• Reduce clutter in sleeping areas to minimize hiding spots
  
  

• Use protective mattress covers designed to block bedbugs
  
  

• Vacuum regularly, especially around beds and baseboards
  
  

• When traveling, inspect hotel beds and keep luggage off the floor
  
  

Bedbug Life Cycle & Survival

• Eggs hatch in 6 to 17 days
  
  

• Newly hatched nymphs feed as soon as a host is available
  
  

• Bedbugs prefer temperatures between 21°C and 28°C, which supports rapid reproduction
  
  

• They can live without feeding for weeks or even months, making them hard to starve out
  
  

🧴 Bedbug Treatment and Pest Control Options

While bedbug bites typically do not require medical attention, removing bedbugs from your home may require professional pest control services. DIY treatments may include:

• High-heat laundering of bedding and clothing
  
  

• Steam treatment for mattresses and furniture
  
  

• Vacuuming and sealing infested items in plastic
  
  

• Insecticide sprays or dusts approved by Health Canada (look for a PCP number)
  
  

Important: Always follow label directions carefully when using pesticides. For guidance on pesticide regulations in Canada, contact Health Canada's Pest Management Information Service.

⚠️ Final Notes

Bedbugs are persistent pests that require fast and effective action. Early detection, proper cleaning, and professional intervention are key to preventing long-term infestations. If you're dealing with a bedbug problem, consult a licensed pest control specialist and protect your living environment.