Bed Bugs are small, wingless insects that are either brown or red. There are two species of bed bugs that are most prevalent: Cimex lectularius (the common bed bug), and Cimex Hemipterus (the tropical bed bug).http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/bedbugs.html Bed bugs prefer to feed off the blood of humans, and can survive for several days without feeding. This, combined with their ability to hide in mattresses and furniture means bed bugs are extremely hard to detect before they come out to feed--generally at night. http://pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/bedbugs.htm

In the past five years, bed bugs have become much more prevalent than over the past decades, especially in hotels, shelters and other locations where there is high turnover in bed usage. Increased international travel has also resulted in bed bugs spreading more often and more quickly. It is difficult to detect and eradicate bed bugs without professional assistance, due to their small, flat form factor, and tendency to hide out of sight during the day.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS00663

Bed bugs normally come out at night, and their bites are red, itchy, and generally in the upper region of the body, including the face and neck. Bites often appear in a cluster, and appear darker in the center. In general, while bed bug bites are a nuisance, there are no long-term consequences, unless the victim suffers from related allergies, in which case the reaction may be much more severe.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS00663/DSECTION=symptoms

Detection and removal of bed bugs is most effectively handled by pest control professionals. Insecticides are used to eradicate bed bug infestations in homes, hotels, or any other building that has been infested.http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/bedbugs.html

To eliminate bed bugs that may be hiding in clothing, luggage, or elsewhere in a home, there are several methods that may be used. Clothing can be washed in hot water, since bed bugs will not survive high temperatures. Items that are not suitable for washing may be put in a clothes dryer. Vacuuming may also eliminate bed bugs in some cases, but may not reach all of the insects in a given location.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS00663/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

• MayoClinic.com: Bed Bug Bites Signs & Symptoms | Complications

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