Bed bugs are found throughout the world and are becoming more prevalent throughout New Zealand, particularly in places where there are large amounts of visitors, such as hotels, motels, backpackers etc.Bed bugs are small oval shaped wingless insects that feed on human blood. After they have fed, they are a reddish brown colour; if it has been some time since they have fed they are translucent/almost clear in colour.You may only be aware of their presence because of blood or faeces on the sheets.
Bed bugs hide in cracks, crevices, bedding, under wallpaper or any small cavity during the day. They come out at night to feed on blood, and are attracted to their food source by body heat and carbon dioxide from our breath.
They feed through a hypodermic needle-type mouth. When they feed, they inject an anaesthetic along with an anticoagulant, mich means you are unlikely to detect their presence while they are feeding. However it is these same proteins that cause itchy reddened inflammations in about 50% of people. Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home. They will infest the cleanest home, or any other accommodation. They are easily transported in luggage from one location to another.