Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are typically found in areas where people sleep, such as beds, couches, and other furniture, and can also be found in other areas of a home or building. They are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause skin irritation, itching, and can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Bed bugs are great hitchhikers and can easily spread from one place to another by clinging to clothes, luggage, furniture, and other items. They can be brought into a home or building through secondhand furniture, from infested apartments, from staying in hotels and motels, and from other public places. They also can move from one unit to another in a multi-unit building.

Bed bugs can be difficult to spot, they are typically active at night, and they usually hide in cracks, crevices, and other tight spaces during the day. They are reddish-brown and can grow to about 1/4 inch long and become visible after they have fed and become engorged with blood.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it is important to contact a professional pest control company as soon as possible. Exterminators will be able to identify the species of bed bugs and develop a treatment plan to eliminate them. This can include a combination of chemical treatments, heat treatment and vacuuming, and in some cases, the use of traps. Preventing bed bugs involves inspecting any second-hand furniture or items before bringing them into the house, being careful about inspecting hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before settling in, and keeping an eye out for any signs of bed bugs in the home.