Bed Bugs
Latin Name: Cimex lectularius
Bed Bugs in The DMV Area
Waking up with itchy bites? Noticing small reddish stains on your sheets or tiny bugs hiding in your mattress seams? You might be dealing with one of the most persistent and stressful household pests: bed bugs.
At PestNow, we specialize in discreet, fast, and effective bed bug extermination for homes, apartments, and businesses across the region. If you're seeing signs of a bed bug problem—or even suspect it—don't wait. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, hide well, and are nearly impossible to eliminate without professional help.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on blood, preferring humans as their hosts. Newly hatched bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed, while adults grow to about ¼ inch. After feeding, they can double in size and take on a darker, bloated appearance. The two main types known for biting people are:
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Cimex lectularius (common bed bug)
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Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug)
Why Bed Bugs Are So Hard to Get Rid Of
Bed bugs are masters of hiding, squeezing into the smallest cracks in mattresses, bed frames, furniture—even walls and electrical outlets. These pests are incredibly resilient, capable of surviving 4 to 6 months without feeding. A single female can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, making infestations grow rapidly if left untreated.
Adding to the challenge, their saliva acts as a mild anesthetic, so most people don't feel the bite while they sleep. Bed bugs spread easily by hitching rides on everyday items like:
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Luggage and backpacks
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Clothing and linens
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Used furniture or mattresses
Common Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
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Itchy, red bites (often in lines or clusters)
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Small blood spots on sheets or pillowcases
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Dark specks (fecal matter) along mattress seams
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Shed skins or eggshells in cracks or around furniture
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A musty, sweet odor in severe infestations