Bed Bugs: Are They Reportable to Public Health and What Are the Risks?

Bed bugs are a public health pest because they can cause negative health effects. While they do not transmit diseases, they can lead to severe allergic reactions and discomfort. Reporting bed bug infestations to local health authorities is important for effective prevention and management of this nuisance. In many jurisdictions, bed bugs are not classified … Read more

Adult bed bugs, called Cimex lectularius, are about ¼ inch (6 mm) long. They have a reddish-brown color and a flattened, oval shape. They are not round. After feeding, their bodies can swell and look rounder. Bed bugs are wingless and can be seen easily with the naked eye. Another distinct characteristic of bed bugs … Read more

Bed bugs are not seasonal pests. They are active year-round. They seek hosts for blood regardless of the season. In southern California, their activity peaks in summer, but they can endure cold due to their cold hardiness. They hide during winter but will feed if hosts are available. Year-round pest control is vital for homeowners. … Read more

Bed bugs, or Cimex lectularius, are shiny reddish-brown insects. They are oval-shaped and measure 4–7mm in size. After feeding, they appear darker and swollen. Unlike shiny spider beetles, bed bugs are wingless and flatter. Signs of infestation include rust-colored stains on bedding and small dark spots. Signs of a bed bug infestation include dark spots … Read more

Bed bugs can be seen with the human eye. Adult bed bugs are brown, oval, and around 4-7 mm, similar to an apple seed. Check areas like mattress seams, piping, and furniture cracks for them. You may spot black fecal spots nearby. Their eggs are tiny, pearl-white, and about the size of a pinhead. To … Read more

Bed bugs are not spreadable like a virus. They don’t move from person to person. Instead, they attach to infested items such as clothing, luggage, and furniture. They can quickly move across surfaces. Effective prevention includes monitoring your belongings and treating infested areas to stop their spread. To prevent bed bugs, it is essential to … Read more

Adult bed bugs are visible to the eye. They are the size of an apple seed and reddish-brown. Nymphs, or immature bed bugs, are smaller and pale. They often hide in mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames. While both adults and nymphs can be seen, their hiding spots make them hard to find. To … Read more

Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed. Immature bed bugs, or nymphs, are translucent white or yellow. Bed bug eggs are pearly white and similar in size to a pinhead. After feeding, bed bugs turn reddish, showing they are not typically white in color. Signs of a bed bug … Read more

Bed bugs are worse in summer. Their peak activity occurs from June to October due to increased travel and warmer indoor temperatures. They thrive in warm environments, making homes at higher temperatures ideal for them. In winter, their mobility and activity drop, but they can survive year-round. In contrast, bed bugs do not hibernate during … Read more

Scabies and bed bugs are different parasitic insects. Scabies mites burrow into the skin, leading to itching and skin rashes. Bed bugs, however, feed on blood while remaining on the surface. Both cause itching but have distinct behaviors and appearances. Knowing these differences helps with accurate identification and treatment. In terms of effective treatments, scabies … Read more