What are bedbugs?

Bedbugs are small brown insects that can infest furniture, bedding and carpeting. They cause a variety of symptoms such as itching, rashes, welts and allergic reactions.

Bedbugs live on the blood of people and animals. They can be very hard to get rid of once they infest an area. People who travel, attend day care or live in other heavily populated areas are at a higher risk of introducing bedbugs into living spaces. Used items that enter a home can carry bedbugs on them, so thoroughly cleaning used furniture, clothing and rugs is highly recommended. Infestations can be treated using chemicals, laundering items or calling a professional exterminator for severe infestations.