Greenway Pest Solutions is now Polaris Pest Control. Same team, same trusted service.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

What bed bugs look like varies by life stage and other factors. For instance, adult bed bugs are flat, broad, and oval-shaped insects (think apple seeds) that are mahogany in color. After they’ve enjoyed a blood meal, their bodies become swollen, elongated, and reddish brown in color. Young bed bugs, also called nymphs, are smaller and nearly colorless. Bed bug eggs are about the size of a pinhead/ grain of salt and are pearl-white in color.

Did you know?

  • Bed bugs don’t just live in beds.
  • According to the National Pest Management Association, the top three places where pest control pros find bed bugs are single-family homes, apartments/condos, and hotels/motels.
  • Bed bugs can survive several months without a blood meal.
  • Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not attracted to dirty places; they are attracted to warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide.

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When Are Bed Bugs Most Active?

Active Months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December

FAQs

The most obvious sign of a bed bug infestation is finding live adult bed bugs. Since they are primarily nocturnal, you might not see them. At least, not right away. In order to determine if you have a bed bug problem, you should look for:

  • Bed bug bites
  • Blood marks on bedding and other fabric
  • Bed bug feces (dark, ink-like stains or blotches)
  • Bed bug eggs
  • Shed bed bug skins

t’s fairly easy to mistake bed bug bites for the bites of mosquitoes, flees, and other insects. To identify bed bug bites, look for small, red bites on the neck, hands, legs, and arms. Bed bug bites may form a line but could also appear in a zig-zag or completely random pattern.

When they’re not feeding, bed bugs will hide in mattress seams and other parts of beds but also in a variety of other places including, but not limited to:

  • Seams of upholstered furniture
  • In the cracks of nightstands, bed frames, and other furniture
  • In outlets and switches
  • In electronics and appliances
  • Under flooring
  • Wall voids
  • Areas where walls meet the ceiling

Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood but will feed on other mammals.

Bed bugs do not transmit diseases and are not considered dangerous. It should be noted that excessive scratching of bed bug bites can result in skin infections. There are also published reports that suggest bed bugs can induce anxiety and mood changes as well as disturb sleep.

A common misconception about bed bugs is that they show up in homes and accommodations that are less than tidy but that is not true. Bed bugs are attracted to places where people congregate. School dorms, apartment buildings, single-family homes – the list could go on and on.

If you’ve found bed bugs in your space, it could be from introducing second-hand furniture or clothing or because you or a visitor carried them in on bags or luggage.

For those that live in multi-unit complexes, it’s even possible that bed bugs crawled over from a neighboring unit.

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We’re Ready To Solve Your Pest Problem

At Polaris Pest Control, we understand that pest problems can be stressful, but the solution shouldn’t be. Since 2009, our primary focus has been on helping New Mexico and Texas property owners get rid of ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and mice, as well as other insects and rodents that try to take over. When you contact us for help, you can count on our team of pest control specialists to solve your pest problem, no matter how severe!

Our Customer Reviews

Budget-Brothers-1

Elijah and Robert did a termite home inspection (none) and a front and backyard inspection (which determined I have subterranean termites in my yard). They explained the treatment needed to eradicate them and prevent them from getting into my home. They both answered all of my MANY questions. The yard treatment was done a few days later. I rate them A+.

Johnathan was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. He answered all of our questions.

J'Khari came to my home and serviced it for the first time. He was extremely professional and polite. If I could choose, I would pick him every time. Thank you sir!!!

Terrell, he did a great service to my house today
He checked all the bate stations and crawler-space
Thanks a lot for your service

Justin, Qwann, Trevyn were a really great crew to have for a first time experience with a company.
Justin was able to answer all of my "crazy lady" questions & concerns. Explained everything really well and in detail.
Qwann & Trevyn were who we met next. Qwann was very detailed in cleaning all of the areas and prepping the area to be sprayed by Trevyn who did a very thorough job.
I addressed all of my concerns and they made sure to fulfill all that they said they would do.
Very nice young group of guys, who did a great job.

Arrived early before forecast storms, young lady asked and explained treatment issues with spiders and ants. Great job! Even moved my kayaks to get everything.

Eddie did a wonderful job and is very appreciated

Great Service!! We were not able to be home when she started and she did start on time and I was able to be there for the inside and she has a great attitude, very friendly and attentive to all details. Thank you M!!

So I already made a review for first visit couple days ago but today humid n gross I mowed my lawn without one bugattacking me ty RJ n ninefold..

Maddy was great and quick! Thank you for your help.

Ninefold Pest technicians are polite, knowledgeable, and taking the time to explain treatments. I appreciate that the company offers free call-backs if pests return between scheduled visits . SHELBEY is the best tech ever. She arrived on time friendly and took time explaining the process. No bugs even after a month after treatment. They offer plant based services.

Shelbey Fast came to my home and did a great job with treatment outside and inside! Thank you

While I did not contract a service, Diego was very knowledgeable and personable. A great representative for the company and community. His attitude as a door to door salesman was exactly what any company look would look for.

While I did not contract a service, Diego was very knowledgeable and personable. A great representative for the company and community. His attitude as a door to door salesman was exactly what any company look would look for.

Earl is fantastic. He texted ahead which I appreciate and followed all the instructions I had on my account to a T. He was also super kind and respectful which I appreciate. Thanks

I have been using greenway for almost 2 years now and the people they send out are always kind and professional. They do an amazing job and are always thorough. With the mosquito treatment we are now able to enjoy our backyard again. I am very pleased with Greenway.

I have been using greenway for almost 2 years now and the people they send out are always kind and professional. They do an amazing job and are always thorough. With the mosquito treatment we are now able to enjoy our backyard again. I am very pleased with Greenway.

Jake was very help full . Great costumer service. Thanks !!!

Elay came out and pointed out a huge wasp nest, geared up and took care off it very knowledgeable thank you

Jake was very help full . Great costumer service. Thanks !!!

Your Trusted Pest Control Experts
Your Trusted Pest Control Experts
Your Trusted Pest Control Experts
Your Trusted Pest Control Experts

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