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About the Pest
About the Pest
Bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on blood — usually yours, while you sleep. They are master hitchhikers and ruthless survivors.

SPECIMEN
Adult — Cimex lectularius
Photo: Piotr Naskrecki / CDC — Public Domain
CLASSIFIED // BO-06
Bed Bug Elimination
Subject Profile
- Cimex lectularius — apple-seed sized adults, translucent nymphs.
- Females lay 1–5 eggs per day, hundreds in a lifetime.
- Can survive over a year without feeding.
Habitat
- Mattress seams, box springs, headboards, bed frames.
- Nightstands, baseboards, electrical outlets, picture frames.
- Couches, recliners, and luggage.
How They Spread
- Hitchhike on luggage, used furniture, and clothing.
- Move between apartment units through walls and outlets.
- Hotels, rideshares, and theater seats are common pickup points.