Bed Bugs, Fleas & Ticks
Bed Bug
Small, flat, reddish-brown insects that hide near beds and feed on blood at night. They spread easily through luggage, furniture and multi-unit buildings.
Photo coming soon
Quick facts
- Size
- 4–7 mm (adult)
- Colour
- Reddish-brown; darker after feeding
- Active season
- Year-round
- Where found
- Mattresses, bed frames, couches, hotels, apartments
How to Identify
- Flat, oval body about the size of an apple seed
- Reddish-brown, swelling and darkening after feeding
- No wings
Signs to Look For
- Small dark spots (droppings) on mattress seams and sheets
- Itchy bites, often in lines or clusters
- Shed skins and tiny white eggs in cracks
- Small blood smears on sheets
Why It Matters
- Itchy bites and disrupted sleep
- Spread quickly between rooms and units
- Very difficult to eliminate without professional treatment
Prevention Tips
- Inspect hotel beds and keep luggage off the floor
- Check second-hand furniture carefully before bringing it home
- Wash and dry travel clothes on high heat
- Use mattress and box-spring encasements
