About Bed Bugs in Arizona
Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius)
Oval, flat, reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm). Wingless and cannot fly or jump. Feeds exclusively on blood, primarily at night. Hides in cracks, seams, and joints during the day. Can survive several months without feeding. Eggs are tiny, white, and adhered to surfaces near harborage sites. Threat Level: Moderate: not a disease vector, but causes bites, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress.
Bed bugs are hitchhikers, they spread through luggage, used furniture, clothing, and shared laundry facilities. Phoenix’s tourism industry, dense apartment communities, and frequent relocation patterns make bed bug infestations increasingly common across the Valley. Bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene, they are found in luxury homes and budget apartments alike.