Bed bugs can happen anywhere. They are not a sign that a home, hotel or living space is dirty, but they can be stressful, uncomfortable and hard to manage without the right steps.

Use this page to learn what bed bugs look like, where they hide, how to spot signs of an infestation and what to do if you think you have bed bugs. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease to people, but their bites can cause itching, lost sleep and, rarely, allergic reactions.

What are bed bugs?

Only one bed bug species is commonly found in Ohio and across North America: the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Adult bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects. They do not have wings, and they cannot fly or jump. They spread mostly by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, furniture and other items people move from place to place.

Bed bugs usually hide close to where people sleep or rest. They often gather in tight spaces near beds, mattresses, furniture seams, headboards and other dark hiding spots.

Bed bug life cycle

Bed bugs grow from eggs to young nymphs and then adults. Young bed bugs need blood meals as they grow. Under ideal conditions, the full life cycle can happen quickly, which is why early detection matters.

Fact sheets

Frequently asked questions