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Uncovering the Hidden Threat: Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Eliminating Bed Bugs!   

            Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius )



Size: 4–5 mm in length (adult)

Color: Reddish-brown, becoming darker after feeding






Body Shape: Oval, flat, and wingless

Legs: Six, with well-developed legs for crawling





Antennae: Short and segmented, used for sensing vibrations and heat

Mouthparts: Developed for piercing and extracting blood


  • Recognized by small, flat bodies and reddish hue
  • Active primarily at night when they feed on hosts' blood

Feeding Preferences

Bed bugs primarily feed on the bodily fluids of humans and other warm-blooded creatures, using their specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and extract a small amount of nourishment. In areas with high population density, they are most active at night, targeting individuals during sleep. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by their targets, which allows them to locate hosts even in crowded environments. Urban living spaces, such as shared accommodations, hotels, and apartment complexes, provide ample opportunities for them to access hosts. These pests thrive in close quarters, feeding in small, repeated intervals, and are capable of surviving for weeks without a meal if necessary. Their ability to remain undetected while targeting sleeping individuals has made them a persistent issue in densely populated areas.

Habitat

Bed bugs are commonly found in places with high human activity and shared living spaces. They thrive in areas with easy access to resting spots, such as upholstered furniture, mattresses, and other soft surfaces close to where people sleep. They are often located in cracks and crevices near walls, furniture joints, and other hidden spaces, allowing them to stay out of sight during the day. In busy areas with apartments, hotels, and multi-unit buildings, they can spread easily due to their ability to hitch rides on personal items or clothing. Their presence is less about cleanliness and more about the availability of shelter and access to nearby food sources.

UPM's AIR Approach for Bed Bugs:

  • Assess: Inspect your home thoroughly for signs of bed bug activity, such as bites on the skin, blood stains on bedding, dark spots of fecal matter, and shed exoskeletons. Focus on areas around beds, mattresses, and furniture to assess the severity of the infestation.
  • Implement: Use targeted treatments such as bed bug sprays, heat treatments, and steam cleaning. Wash and heat-dry bedding and clothing, vacuum frequently, and consider professional pest control services for comprehensive treatment.
  • Review: Regularly monitor affected areas for signs of continued activity, and continue preventive measures like using bed bug-proof mattress encasements, sealing cracks, and maintaining cleanliness to prevent future infestations.

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