What's a Bed Bug?

Question: What's a Bed Bug?

Worried you might encounter a bed bug or three on your travels? You're not alone. The little bed bug is making a big comeback, and causing a lot of distress, expense (and itching) along the way. Although small, a bed bug infestation can cause you a lot of headaches. By learning as much as you can about the bed bug, you can protect yourself when you travel and avoid bringing these little pests home with you.

Answer:

A bed bug is a small, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insect. The scientific name for a bed bug is Cimex lectularius, which in Latin translates to "bug" and "bed" or "couch." (Who knew ancient Romans had couches?) An adult bed bug can grow to about half an inch long. They have no wings and are nocturnal. (See bed bug pictures.

The parasitic bed bug survives by sucking a hosts' blood. Unfortunately for us, humans are the preferred bed bug diet. It is not believed that any diseases are transmitted by a bed bug's bite. Bites from a bed bug, however, tend to be itchy and may become infected. (See bed bug bites.)

Dirty or unsanitary conditions are not required for a bed bug infestation. They live in the folds of mattresses, in the cracks of wood furniture, and in crevices within upholstered furniture. A bed bug is small enough to hide behind a baseboard or behind the face plate of a wall socket, making them difficult to locate.

Get answers to more of your questions about bed bugs:

• Are Bed Bugs in My Hotel?
• Is This a Bed Bug Bite?
• Are Bedbug Bites Dangerous?
• Where Can I See Pictures of Bed Bug Bites?