Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects about the size of an apple seed. They usually bite at night when people are sleeping. Bites can be found all over the body but often they are around the face, neck, upper torso, arms and hands. Some people don’t react to bedbug bites while others have allergic reactions with welts and itching.
Who can get Bedbugs?
Bed bugs are not picky and it is possible for anyone, anywhere to experience a bed bug infestation. Bedbugs easily go undetected because they are small, can hide in cracks and crevices and usually feed at night.
How can I find Bedbugs?
Black or brown spots on mattresses, sheets, bed frames or walls are a sign of a bedbug infestation. You can also see live bedbugs if you look:
- behind your headboard
- along the seams of your mattress
- inside your box spring and along your bed frame
- along bedroom baseboard cracks
- in and around nightstands
Can I get sick from Bedbugs?
No. Bedbugs do not transmit disease.
What can I do if I have Bedbugs?
Getting rid of bedbugs requires the use of pesticides and other specialized treatments which can only be applied by professionals. Consult with your landlord, building manager, local Public Health Unit or a pest control professional to confirm that you have bed bugs. Remember household treatments are not effective against bedbugs.
For more information go to bedbugsinfo.ca.