Bedbugs are flat,
wingless insects that feed on blood from animals or people. The bugs are about
0.25 in. (0.6 cm) long and
range in color from almost white to brown. They turn rusty red after
feeding.
The bugs like to hide in bedding and mattresses. They are
found most often in hotels, motels, hostels, and shelters where large numbers
of people come and go. Bedbugs usually hide during the day and are active at
night when they feed. They can live for 10 months and go weeks without
feeding.
Bedbugs are not known to spread disease to people. But
their bites can cause itching and allergic reactions in some people.
ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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