About Bed Bugs

From the Vermont Department of Health website:

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually active at night when people are sleeping.

Bed bugs bite – but do not transmit disease. Bed bugs painlessly feed on their host, injecting a tiny amount of saliva in the process, which can result in mild to severe allergic reactions.

Many people do not react to bed bug bites, though the bite may leave a small welt. Excessive scratching of these bites is highly discouraged as it can lead to secondary infections.

Here are a few images that might help when looking for evidence in your own home.  Remember that any evidence found in your home should be followed up by a certified K9 inspection or a licensed pest control operator.

CAST SKINS: Live bed bug (small darker figure at the top of the image) with larger cast skin.

FECAL MATTER:

Here area  few links that will help explain a bit about bed bugs:

VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH – BED BUG FACT SHEET (pdf)

NEW YORK STATE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, CORNELL UNIVERSITY- Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities (pdf)