Skip to content
Bed Bug identification up close white background - Keep beg bugs away from your home with Bug Out in FL

Bed Bug

Actual Size: Less than 6 mm

Characteristics: Oval, flat, and mahogany brown to red-brown.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: No

Habitat: Single-family homes, apartments, hotels, hospitals, schools and college campuses, office buildings, retail stores, movie theaters, and even public transportation.

Habits: 

  • Bites are painless and often go undetected.
  • Feeds exclusively on the blood of humans and mammals.
  • When disturbed, gives off a musty, sweet odor from their scent glands.


Bed Bugs in Jacksonville FL

Found throughout all 50 states, bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed exclusively on blood. Humans serve as their primary host, but they also feed on birds and mammals. Bed bugs are secretive and remain well hidden in cracks and crevices located in places where they are not likely to be disturbed. 

Bed bugs typically feed at night while their host lies fast asleep, and they can live for a year or longer without a blood meal. Their bite is essentially painless, so they are rarely detected at the time of feeding activity.

Bed Bug Habitat

Bed bugs live in groups and inhabit areas where humans sleep or rest for extended periods of time. Bed bugs are usually transported, unknowingly, from place to place as people travel. They conceal themselves in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, bedding, furniture, and anywhere they can hide. 

Bed bugs can be found in homes, hotels, apartment buildings, schools, medical facilities, and other areas frequented by the public. These pests favor cracks, crevices, or seams in headboards, mattresses, luggage, backpacks, and upholstered furniture.

Bed Bug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Bed bugs do not spread disease and are not considered dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention. The first sign of a bed bug infestation may be the appearance of bites on the skin or the appearance of small brownish dots on the bed. Bed bugs gain access to people through used furniture and bedding, luggage, or other objects that move from place to place, or through pipes shared by neighboring apartments or hotel rooms. 

Bed bug bites may be undetected on people who have been bitten. Welt-like swelling in a straight line on the skin of the bite victim may occur. If a bed bug infestation is suspected, it is recommended to contact a professional bed bug exterminator.

FAQ

Are bed bugs common in Jacksonville FL?

Yes, bed bugs are a growing problem in Jacksonville FL, just like in many other states. The warm climate and high volume of tourism create ideal conditions for bed bugs to thrive and spread.

How can you tell if a bed has bedbugs?

There are several signs that indicate the presence of bed bugs, including dark spots on bedding, eggs or eggshells, skin casting, and a musty odor.

Will bed bugs go away on their own?

Unfortunately, bed bugs will not go away on their own. Once they have established themselves in a location, they will continue to breed and spread unless properly treated.

Bed bugs are resilient and can survive for several months without a blood meal, making it difficult to starve them out.