Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are insects that feed off the blood of other animals. They are not known to carry and transmit diseases, but bites from bed bugs cause general skin irritation that can be very uncomfortable. They bite usually manifest as small, red welts on the skin that are clustered together, as the bug feeds in the same area during one feeding. Though the bites themselves do not pose serious risk, if the bites become infected, health issues can arise.

In terms of ideal environment, bed bugs are attracted to areas that are rich in warmth and carbon dioxide, which make sleeping animals prime targets.

Why you have them

Bed bug infestations are highly dependent on travel and mass transit. Bed bugs can reside in luggage, on airplane seats, trains, cars, and in hotel and motel rooms. So, when people travel, they can be bringing along an infestation as well. When you travel, you can pick up a couple bed bugs, which then can turn into a major infestation when you come back home.