Ever feel a mysterious itch in the night and wonder if something unseen is lurking in your mattress? Meet the bed bug: a tiny, flat, wingless insect that specializes in crawling into the dark and sipping your blood while you sleep.
What’s a Bed Bug Anyway?
Bed bugs (primarily Cimex lectularius) are small, oval‑shaped insects about the size of an apple seed (roughly 4–5 mm long) that feed exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded animals , with humans being their favorite target.
They’re part of the family Cimicidae and are classified as true bugs (order Hemiptera). Which will be a another blog for another day…
Despite their name, they don’t just live in beds; they hide in cracks, seams, furniture, luggage, and more.
The Creepy Routine
*Stealth feeding: Bed bugs are active at night and are drawn to the heat & carbon dioxide we emit while sleeping. They bite exposed skin, usually leaving itchy red welts or clusters of bites.
*Flat and hidden: Their bodies are flattened, allowing them to slip into tiny cracks in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, wallpaper…even electronics!
*Survival champions: They can endure months without a meal, withstand a wide temperature range, and have made a dramatic comeback in many regions after decades of decline.
Where to Spot Them
They lurk nearly anywhere humans sleep or rest:
*Mattresses and box springs (especially seams)
*Headboards and bed frames
*Upholstered furniture and luggage
*Multi‑unit housing (walls, electrical outlets, between units)
***& beware: your immaculate home isn’t a guarantee, they hitchhike on luggage and furniture just like anyone else.
Why They’re Terrifyingly Cool
They’re tiny, yet their impact is massive: infestations can lead to sleepless nights, anxiety, and costly treatments.
Their stealthy lifestyle, flat bodies, and ability to survive without feeding make them mysterious and persistent.