Bed bugs live off the blood of people and warm-blooded animals. They can mature in about 35 days and can live anywhere from 7 to 12 months. The bed bug feeds off its host then retreats back to its shelter for days or weeks before coming back out, which makes destection even more difficult. It is important to spot a bed bug infestation as early as possible because bed bug control will be easier the smaller the infestation.

Favorite spots for bed bugs are box springs, head boards, bed frames, and even in furniture or fixtures in close proximity to your bed. All bed bugs look for human hosts that are inactive long enough to feed off of, so bed bugs may also live anywhere you sit or rest, such as a couch, car seat, or even a movie theater seat.

Beds bugs typically feed off humans sleeping at night. The bite takes as long as 10 minutes and feels painless. Signs of bed bug bites: Bites look similar to those of fleas and mosquitoes. Raised, red welts Burning or itching Rash in a localized area Straight lines of bites