Bed bugs

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that move very fast and feed on blood at night, from humans or animals that are asleep.

They puncture the skin and suck blood. They prefer exposed parts of the body (Neck, face, chest, arms and hands). They are not considered to be 'good' carriers of pathogens, but apart from the annoying pricks on sleeping humans, they help carry the hepatitis B virus.

They live in groups. We usually find them in bedrooms. They do not fly as they lack wings.

• Cimex lectularius  - Human bed bug 

Adult bedbugs are round and 4-5mm wide, with reddish-brown color. They can stay for many months without food, hiding in isolated areas, preferably on fabric, wood (frames, furniture, flooring) and paper, where they typically leave black excretions.

The reactions to the bedbug bite vary from person to person depending on the sensitivity of their skin. Their characteristic is that they create bumps in a row.

Bedbugs are fought with pesticides but domestic spray pesticides often cannot eliminate them because of the resistance they have developed to these medicines.

Bedbugs are also fought with special equipment and natural methods.