Bed bugs are the uninvited houseguests who don't pay rent, don't clean up after themselves, and think a midnight snack means you. These tiny hitchhikers have a knack for popping up where they're least expected, from cozy bedrooms to five‑star hotels, and once they settle in, they're remarkably tough to evict. Over the past few years our office has seen a noticeable uptick in calls from community members asking how to get rid of them, which tells us one thing: bed bugs are making the rounds again. While they don't spread disease, they can certainly cause stress, discomfort, and quite a bit of panic. Understanding how they behave is the first step in making sure they don't overstay their welcome.

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish‑brown insects that feed on the blood of sleeping humans and animals. They are about the size of an apple seed, and because they hide in cracks and crevices, they can be difficult to spot. Bed bugs typically emerge at night, although they will take a blood meal during the day if the opportunity arises.

Where Do They Live?
Despite their name, bed bugs are not loyal to beds. While mattresses are an easy starting point, these insects are experts at squeezing into nearly any tight, dark space that keeps them close to a food source. They often settle into bed frames and box springs, nestling deep into seams and screw holes. Sofas, recliners, and upholstered chairs offer plenty of hiding spots too, especially in cushion folds where they can stay undisturbed. As an infestation grows, bed bugs may spread to baseboards, carpeting edges, and even less obvious areas like inside luggage, backpacks, and clothing left near sleeping or resting zones. In more advanced cases, they can work their way behind wallpaper, into wall cracks, or even into electrical outlets, using these small entry points to move between rooms. Ultimately, bed bugs gravitate toward any place people rest—but if they're left unchecked, they can slowly expand their territory throughout an entire home or building.

Signs of Bed Bugs

A bed bug infestation often begins subtly. Some common indicators include:

• Small, itchy bites—often in a line or cluster, usually on exposed skin
• Tiny dark spots (bed bug excrement) on sheets, mattresses, or upholstery
• Rust‑colored stains from crushed bugs
• Shed skins or eggs in seams and crevices
• Seeing live bed bugs, particularly near sleeping areas

Because reactions to bites vary—some people have no visible reaction—physical signs in the environment are often more reliable than bite patterns.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

How Do Bed Bugs Spread?

Bed bugs are, quite frankly, world‑class hitchhikers. They don't fly or jump, but they move effortlessly from place to place by catching rides on the things we carry. A suitcase returning from vacation, a purse set down in the wrong spot, or even clothing tossed onto a shared surface can offer them the perfect opportunity to relocate. They're just as likely to slip into secondhand furniture or small household items, making thrift-store treasures or curbside finds a hidden risk if not carefully inspected. And because bed bugs aren't picky about cleanliness, they can turn up in the tidiest home just as easily as a cluttered one, anywhere people rest becomes prime real estate in their eyes.

The good news is that while they're persistent, you can lower your chances of bringing them home by building a few habits into your routine. When traveling, a quick check of hotel mattress seams and headboards can alert you to potential issues before you unpack. Keeping bags and clothing off beds and floors provides fewer places for bed bugs to climb aboard. At home, regular vacuuming and keeping clutter to a minimum make it harder for them to hide. If you enjoy secondhand shopping, inspecting furniture thoroughly before bringing it inside can help prevent accidental introductions. And for added protection, mattress encasements designed to block bed bugs can make detecting and managing infestations easier.

​What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs

If you find signs of an infestation, early action is key.
• Confirm identification - bed bugs are often confused with other insects, like ticks or fleas.
• Clean bedding, curtains, and clothing using hot water and high heat drying
• Vacuum mattresses, carpets, and cracks thoroughly
• Reduce hiding places by tightening loose wallpaper, sealing cracks, and removing clutter

Because bed bugs are resilient and can hide extremely well, professional pest control is usually the most effective solution. Experts can apply treatments, such as heat or targeted insecticides, that homeowners cannot safely or effectively use on their own.

Bed bugs can affect anyone, anywhere. Understanding their habits, recognizing early signs, and taking practical prevention steps can help protect your home and reduce the stress of dealing with an infestation. With a combination of vigilance and effective treatment strategies, bed bugs can be eliminated and prevented from returning.

For more information, visit Bed bugs | UMN Extension