Bed bugs are rising in number, making a strong comeback after nearly 50 years of limited activity in the United States. Adult bed bugs have a distinct reddish-brown color and have flat, oval-shaped bodies about 1/4 inch in length. In a protected area, an adult female will lay up to five eggs in one day. The eggs are small, approximately 1mm in size and are whitish in color, making them nearly invisible to the untrained eye. Bed bug eggs are slightly sticky when first laid, which allows them to adhere to surfaces to remain safe until hatching. Once hatched, bed bug nymphs are no larger than a pinhead, closely resembling the adults, but smaller and lighter in color until they reach maturity. The nymphs mature rapidly, shedding their exoskeleton as they grow larger after each feeding. Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, preferring human blood, but will also feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary.

• An unpleasant, wet linen-like odor in an affected room.
• Small rust-colored stains on either bedding or furniture.
• Itchy red bites where exposed skin comes into contact with affected bedding or furniture.
• Discarded skins and eggshells, often in drawers.

Additionally, bed bugs love to hide in electrical outlets or behind light switches so regular inspections of those areas can catch an infestation before it spreads.