Bed bugs are small, oval, brownish parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of animals or humans while they sleep. Right after feeding, the bug is a bright red color which gradually fades to brown as it digests the human blood. Bed bugs are born lighter in color and turn brown as they mature. Bed bugs can be quite resilient. Although they typically feed on blood every five to ten days, they are capable of surviving several months without feeding.

Bed bugs do not have nests like ants or bees, but tend to congregate together. Under favorable conditions, immature bed bugs can fully develop in as little as one month and produce three or more generations per year. They do not jump or fly but are good runners and will travel up to 15 feet for a blood meal. They are most active at night and can easily move between adjacent rooms or units via wall voids and utility chases.