Bedbugs are flat, wingless insects that feed on blood from animals or people. The bugs are about 0.6 cm (0.25 in.) long and range in colour from almost white to brown. They turn rusty red after feeding.

The bugs like to hide in bedding and mattresses. They are found most often in hotels, motels, hostels, and shelters where large numbers of people come and go. Bedbugs usually hide during the day and are active at night when they feed. They can live for 10 months and go weeks without feeding.

Bedbugs are not known to spread disease to people. But their bites can cause itching and allergic reactions in some people.