PestDex Details
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
crawler
Blood-feeding pest endemic to DC/VA/MD urban corridor. Extremely difficult to eliminate without professional treatment.
How to Identify
- •Reddish-brown, flat, apple seed size
- •Balloon-shaped after feeding
- •Dark fecal spots on mattress seams
- •Sweet musty odor in heavy infestations
Where Found
Mattress seams, box springs, headboards, outlets, picture frames. DC row houses, Arlington apartments, college dorms. Spreads through used furniture and luggage.
Seasonality
Year-round indoors. No dormant period. Populations explode in summer.
Health & Property Risk
Bites cause itching, welts, secondary infection from scratching. Mental health impact — anxiety, insomnia. No disease transmission confirmed in US. Property devaluation.
Prevention Tips
- •Inspect used furniture before bringing home
- •Encase mattress and box spring
- •Reduce clutter where they hide
- •Check hotel rooms when traveling
- •Launder and heat-dry clothes after travel
Treatment Notes
Heat treatment (120°F+) or chemical multi-visit protocol. Prep is critical — launder all fabrics, seal cracks. DIY rarely works. Follow-up inspections required.