About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are flat, oval-shaped insects about ¼ inch long. They hide in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, and cracks, emerging at night to feed on human hosts. Their bites often appear as itchy red welts, though reactions vary.

Risks & Concerns

Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites cause discomfort, allergic reactions, and anxiety. Infestations spread rapidly through luggage, clothing, and used furniture, making multi-family housing, hotels, and college dorms in Boston especially vulnerable.

Prevention & Control

Inspect hotel rooms, luggage, and secondhand furniture carefully. Wash and heat-dry clothing after travel. Because bed bugs hide in tiny cracks and resist many DIY treatments, professional pest control is usually required for complete elimination.