Bedbugs are insects in the genus Cimex that feed on human blood. You may have noticed small flecks of redness on your skin and prominent blisters on your body when the bugs bite. These bites can cause psychological effects and skin rashes. Bedbugs may also cause allergic reactions. They live in dark places near the base of your bed and may live for long periods of time. The best way to identify bedbugs is by looking for their body parts.

Exoskeleton

If you’ve ever been to bed, you’ve probably seen the exoskeleton of bed bugs. They are tiny parasitic insects that belong to the Cimicidae family. Because of their flat bodies, bedbugs can fit into tight spaces. They can hide in bed frames, box springs, and mattresses. These insects can also make their homes in cracks and crevices in the walls of your home.

Eggs

If you have a bed bug infestation, you may be wondering if you should be concerned about bedbug eggs. Eggs of bed bugs are typically small, white, and oval in shape. They are about one-sixth of an inch long. Some people compare bedbug eggs to poppy seeds, while others compare them to half a grain of uncooked rice. The problem with identifying these insects is that their eggs can be hard to spot in the dark.

Blood

When you look at the blood of bedbugs, you will see red stains. Often, they are a combination of red and black. However, you can sometimes see brown or rust colored blood stains. The feces of bedbugs are always darker than their blood. They are about the same size as small ink stains. Bedbugs will feed on human blood, as long as they have a blood meal to survive.

Adult females hide close to where they feed

The adult bedbug has a flat body, brown in color, and can reach a length of a quarter of an inch. Its oval body is enlarged after feeding. It needs just three to 10 minutes of blood to get full. Bedbugs usually feed only once per day, although they can go longer without feeding. During the day, they move to secluded areas to find their next blood meal.

Hives

If you are dealing with the uncomfortable hives of bedbugs, you are not alone. These welts appear where an allergen has come in contact with your skin and are usually in the same location. Sometimes the welts appear suddenly and without apparent cause. You should check other parts of your home for similar welts. Fortunately, bedbug hives aren’t contagious, but you may want to avoid contact with others while you’re suffering from them.

Anaphylaxis

Bedbug bites can cause severe allergic reactions. A small red spot on the skin is often enough to trigger anaphylaxis, but severe reactions may cause the entire body to respond in a severe manner. Bedbug bites can also trigger secondary infections like ecthyma and impetigo. Moreover, anaphylaxis may result in severe sleep disturbances, insomnia, and even systemic reactions. In addition, the CDC and EPA have put together a list of the most common types of bed bug bite allergies to highlight their dangers to the general public.

Prevention

The prevention of bed bugs begins with careful inspection. Bedbugs love to hide in crevices and seams in upholstered furniture, and even harmless products like stuffed animals and toys can contain these pests. Checking for these pests can be difficult, because they can hide in small spaces, such as wall-mounted items, rugs, and even electrical outlets. Look for shed skins, fecal spots, and even blood stains.

Contact Budget Bed Bug Control to help with bed bug pest control in Phoenix.