Bed Bug

Bed bugs have flat bodies and may sometimes be mistaken for ticks. Bed bugs live strictly by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Adult bed bugs are reddish brown in color, appearing more reddish after feeding.  Nymphs are clear in color and appear bright red after feeding. 

Bed bugs tend to be most common in areas where people sleep and generally concentrate in beds, including mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. Other sites where bed bugs often reside include curtains, the corners inside dressers and other furniture, particularly near the bed. Bed bugs are increasingly becoming a problem within residences of all kinds, including homes, apartments, hotels, cruise ships, dormitories and shelters.    

Bed bugs are most active at night and bite any exposed areas of skin while an individual is sleeping. The bite itself is painless and is usually not noticed. Small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin are the most common sign; redness, swelling, and itching commonly occur. If scratched, the bite areas can become infected. A peculiarity of bed bug bites is the tendency to find several bites lined up in a row.  Bed bug bites may go unnoticed or be mistaken for flea or mosquito bites or other types of rash or skin conditions.