◄ CONTENTS
CHAPTER 06

Bed Bug Elimination

Operation Lights Out

CH.06PG. 1 / 3

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.

Adult bed bug — Cimex lectularius — close-up
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.