• Adults are small and a brownish color, just under a 1/4” long and oval shaped.
• Immature bed bugs, also known as nymphs, are much smaller than the adults and lighter in color.
• Nymphs may turn red after feeding on blood from a host.
• Bed bugs do not have wings but are able to move across surfaces very quickly.
• Eggs are about 1mm, mostly white, and difficult to see.  A magnifying class is usually needed.

• Bed bugs are carriers of almost 30 disease pathogens, however are not effective transmittors of such diseases to humans.
• The biggest symptom and threat of bed bugs is the skin irritation (itching, swelling, redness)
• Reactions of bed bug bites vary greatly. Some people have minor scratching, while others may experience large welts, swelling and rash-like breakouts.
• Bites tend to be itchy and in rows of 3 or 4.

• Traveling greatly increases the chance of a bed bug infestation.
• Early detection is crucial to to preventing an escalation of the problem and for quick treatment.
• Protecting mattresses is a good first step.  Mattress encasesments that have been tested for
  effectiveness can help with early detection and prevention.  

FAVORITE SPOTS FOR BED BUGS
    * baseboards
    * door and window casings
    * window sills and frames
    * behind electrical and telephone switch plates
    * flooring and wall components
    * around pipes
    * seams, creases, tufts, and folds of the mattress and box spring
    * bed frames and head board
    * under night stands and drawers
    * storage areas
    * items such as furniture that may have hollow legs
    * between upholstered furniture
    * between the creases of drapery or curtains
    * in and around alarm clocks

TIPS FOR TRAVELING AND HOTELS
    * Check the hotel bed as soon as you arrive.
       Peel back the bed sheets and check the mattress, running your fingers along the upper and lower seams.
       Make sure to check the mattress tag and plastic around the edges.
    * Check the furniture and fixtures near the bed. Bedbugs hide in areas that are usually dark or have very low light.
    * Use the luggage stand in the hotel room to keep your bags off of the floor where bedbugs can easily get into your items.
    * Inform the manager immediately if you think you spot signs of bed bugs. Request another room or change hotels.
    * A sweet, foul smell may be a sign of bed bugs. This may smell like rotten meat or even raspberries.
    * Double check your luggage when you're ready to check out to make sure you aren't taking any bugs home with you.
    * If you spot a bedbug within your luggage, wash the item in hot water and blow dry on high heat for 20-30 minutes.
       Then place the item in a zip lock bag, which should keep any bedbugs out.

Get Professional Help
Trained and licensed individuals that are familiar with the biology of bed bugs and the needed pesticides are crucial in eliminating the infestation. Most pesitcides available commercially do not do the trick and may only delay the problem.

Remove the Bugs
While waiting on professional assistance, you can remove the bugs by crushing them with rags, along with vacumming infected surfaces.

Clean Up & Eliminate Clutter
Try to get rid of as much clutter in the space as possible. Bed bugs love to hide in dark areas where there is little or no light, so the less clutter the more likely the bugs will avoid those spots.

Launder Clothes and Other Items
Heat kills bed bugs. So be sure to regularly launder your clothes and other items such as carpets, linens and sheets.

Use Encasements for Mattresses and Box Springs
It is very important to purchase encasements that are designed for bed bugs. Such encasements can help to show a bed bug problem from the outset and also protect your mattresses and box springs from further infestations.

Do NOT Sleep in a Different Location
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, do not change where you sleep. Until you have eliminated the problem, it is best to sleep in the infested area. Otherwise, you will simply spread the problem to your friends and family without effectively eliminating the infestation.

KNOCKOUT PEST CONTROL Nassau County Health Department
Suffolk County Health Department
Nassau University Medical Center
Bed Bugs on Wiki