Adult bedbugs are reddish brown, flat, oval and wingless. They grow to approximately 5mm long.

They are generally active at night and are attracted by body heat and carbon dioxide.

Bites

They feed on blood, which they obtain by biting humans. These bites become itchy and sore after a few hours and are often in a group or row. They feed every 5 to 10 days.

Bed bugs are not attracted by dirt or filth. They do survive easier where there is some clutter due to the fact that there are more hiding places and cleaning is usually less intensive.

They have not been linked with disease transmission.

Infestations

Visiting an infected property and carrying them home in luggage spreads them. Buying infected furniture or clothing and fabrics is also a common way of starting an infestation.

Treatment

In most cases the whole property will need to be treated in order to control the infestation although the main treatment is usually in the bedrooms.