How do I get rid of bed bugs? – State Farm

Spot bed bugs before they spread.

Notorious for infesting mattresses, bed bugs can also slip into chairs, couches and electric outlets. They can live under wallpaper and in appliances. They infiltrate homes and hotels, hospitals and offices. In short: They can be everywhere, they're hard to find, and they're tricky to get rid of. Arm yourself with these tips on identifying, eliminating and preventing bed bugs.

These pests bite, then feed on blood, but they do not transmit disease. Fully grown, bed bugs look like an apple seed long, brown, oval and flat; their eggs are pearly white and tiny. The egg-to-adult lifecycle is about five weeks, and females can lay up to 500 eggs in their 6- to 12-month life spans.

Bites often resemble hives or a rash, or even bites from another insect, making them a notoriously bad predictor of a bed bug infestation. Instead, look for red or brown stains, eggs and eggshells, and shedded skin on sheets or mattresses. Bed bugs tend to be more active at night, and can bite both humans and animals.

There's no insecticide to eliminate bed bugs, which means removal is time-consuming and difficult. You may need to consult a pest management company or bed bug exterminator to effectively eliminate them from your home, but follow these steps to try to do it yourself:

The best way to avoid a costly bed bug infestation is to prevent them from coming into your home to begin with. When traveling, always check the mattress and luggage rack in your hotel room, and once you return home, immediately wash your clothes and inspect your suitcase. Protect your home by putting a mattress cover on each bed, vacuuming regularly and removing clutter so there are fewer places for them to hide.

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How do I get rid of bed bugs? - State Farm