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You pull back the sheets and spot a tiny brown speck that moves. Your stomach drops. Is that a bed bug? And if it is, what does that mean for your home, your family, and your sleep tonight?
Take a breath. Bed bugs are unpleasant, but they're a problem people solve every day. Knowing what bed bugs are, and what they aren't, is the first step. Here's what the CDC and EPA want you to know.
What Are Bed Bugs, Exactly?
Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on blood, usually at night while people sleep. The CDC describes them as reddish-brown and 1 to 7 millimeters long, depending on their age. The common bed bug's scientific name is Cimex lectularius.
According to the EPA's identification guide, here's what each life stage looks like:
- Adults are about the size of an apple seed. They're brown and flat when they haven't fed, and swollen, longer, and redder after a meal.
- Nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller and translucent or whitish-yellow. Before they feed, they can be nearly invisible.
- Eggs are pearl-white and about the size of a pinhead.
Bed bugs also give off a musty, sweetish odor, which you may notice in a heavily infested room.
Bed Bugs vs. Dust Mites
We hear this question a lot, because both live in beds. They're very different. Dust mites are microscopic relatives of spiders that feed on shed skin flakes, and dust mites don't bite. Their allergens cause reactions when you breathe them in. Bed bugs are insects you can see, and they feed on blood.
That difference matters when you choose a mattress cover. A dust mite cover isn't automatically bed bug proof. We explain why in Are Dust Mite Proof Covers Bed Bug Proof?
Do Bed Bugs Spread Disease?
Here's some genuinely good news. The EPA and the CDC both say bed bugs are not known to spread disease to people. That's unusual for a blood-feeding pest.
They can still cause real trouble. Bites can itch, scratching can lead to a skin infection, and many people lose sleep or feel anxious. Allergic reactions to bites are possible but rare. If you're wondering whether marks on your skin are bites, see What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
Why Are Bed Bugs Showing Up Everywhere?
If it feels like bed bugs are in the news more often, you're not imagining it. The EPA links the rise to more travel, too little knowledge about prevention, bed bugs becoming more resistant to pesticides, and pest control that doesn't work.
It has nothing to do with how clean you are. The CDC notes that bed bugs turn up in five-star hotels and resorts. They spread by tucking into the seams and folds of luggage, bags, folded clothes, bedding, and furniture. Most people carrying them have no idea.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs like to stay close to their food source, which is you. The CDC says they can travel more than 100 feet in a night, but they tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.
The EPA's guide to finding bed bugs says to look first at the piping, seams, and tags of your mattress and box spring, and in cracks in the bed frame and headboard. In a heavier infestation, they may also hide in:
- Seams of chairs and couches, between cushions, and in curtain folds.
- Drawer joints, electrical outlets, and appliances.
- Under loose wallpaper and wall hangings, and where the wall meets the ceiling.
A bed bug is about as thin as a credit card. If a crack could hold a card, it could hide a bed bug.
Signs You May Have Bed Bugs
Bites alone aren't a reliable clue, because some people don't react at all. The EPA suggests looking for physical signs when you change the bedding or stay away from home:
- Rusty or reddish stains on sheets or the mattress from crushed bed bugs.
- Tiny dark spots, which are bed bug droppings. They may bleed into fabric like a marker.
- Eggs, eggshells, or the pale yellow skins nymphs shed as they grow.
- Live bed bugs.
Found One? Here's What to Do First
Don't panic, and don't start throwing things out. Many other small bugs, including carpet beetles, look like bed bugs. The EPA recommends showing a sample to your local extension agent, who can identify it for free. If you rent, let your landlord know, because nearby units may need to be checked too.
Once you know it's a bed bug, you can make a plan. Our step-by-step guide, How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in a Mattress, walks through the EPA's approach. It's also helpful to know how long bed bugs live, because they can survive for months between meals.
The Simple Routine We Use at Home
We've helped customers through bed bug problems for many years, and a few habits stick with us:
- Our mattresses and pillows are sealed in AllergyCare Stretch Knit (BedBug Solution Elite) covers. They're bed bug proof and block dust mite allergens too.
- When we travel, luggage never goes on the hotel bed or floor.
- When we get home, bags stay in the garage until we've checked them, and clothes go straight from the garage to the dryer.
You'll find the full checklist in How to Prevent Bed Bugs at Home, When You Travel, and in College Dorms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bed bugs spread disease?
No. The CDC and EPA both say bed bugs are not known to spread disease to people. Their bites can cause itching, lost sleep, and, rarely, allergic reactions.
Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
Yes. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. Young bed bugs (nymphs) are smaller and pale, so they can be very hard to see until they have fed.
Are bed bugs a sign of a dirty home?
No. The CDC says how clean a place is doesn't determine whether bed bugs are there. They have been found in five-star hotels and resorts. Clutter does give them more places to hide.
Where do bed bugs hide?
Mostly near where people sleep: the piping, seams, and tags of mattresses and box springs, and cracks in the bed frame and headboard. In heavier infestations they also hide in couch seams, curtain folds, drawer joints, and electrical outlets.
What should I do if I find a bed bug?
Confirm what it is first. EPA suggests showing a sample to your local extension agent, who can identify it at no cost. If it is a bed bug, tell your landlord if you rent, make a plan, and start with non-chemical steps such as vacuuming, heat drying bedding, and sealed mattress encasements.
You've Got This
Bed bugs are stubborn, but they're not a reflection on you or your home. With a clear plan and a sealed cover on the bed, most people get their sleep back. Have questions about which cover fits your mattress? Call us at (800) 771-2246. Our team has helped people with allergies since 1989, and we're glad to help with bed bugs too.
Want the complete picture? This post is part of our free Practical Guide to Allergy-Free Living, built on allergy expertise we've been sharing since 1989 and covering dust mites, pet dander, air quality, laundry, and more.
Sources
- CDC, About Bed Bugs: https://www.cdc.gov/bed-bugs/about/index.html
- U.S. EPA, Introduction to Bed Bugs: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/introduction-bed-bugs
- U.S. EPA, Bed Bugs Appearance and Life Cycle: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/bed-bugs-appearance-and-life-cycle
- U.S. EPA, How to Find Bed Bugs: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
- U.S. EPA, Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/do-it-yourself-bed-bug-control
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider — such as an allergist or your primary care physician — before making changes to your allergy management plan, starting new treatments, or if you have questions about a medical condition. In the event of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector if one has been prescribed.