What Are Bed Bugs? The Complete Beginner's Guide

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed exclusively on blood. Yes, you read that right—they need your blood to survive. These nocturnal vampires typically measure 4-5 mm long (about the size of an apple seed) and are reddish-brown when full. If you're in Montreal, North Shore, or South Shore, these pests are sneaking into homes just like yours every day.

How Do You Even Get Bed Bugs?

The most common way bed bugs hitch a ride into your home is through travel. They hide in:

• Hotel room furniture and bedding
• Used furniture from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
• Second-hand clothing or luggage
• Public transportation (they love those fabric seats)

Pro tip for Montreal travelers: Always inspect your luggage before heading back to the North Shore or South Shore.

The Telltale Signs of Infestation

Before you see the bugs themselves, you'll notice their calling cards:

Reddish-Brown Spots: Blood stains on sheets from crushed bugs during sleep

Tiny White Eggs: 1mm pearl-like eggs in mattress seams and furniture cracks

Dark Fecal Spots: Tiny black dots (bug poop) on mattresses and baseboards

Itchy Welts: Red, itchy bites in lines or clusters on exposed skin

Spot these in your Montreal apartment? Don't panic—act fast.

The Bed Bug Life Cycle: Why They're So Hard to Kill

Bed bugs are resilient little bastards. A single female can lay 200-500 eggs in her lifetime, and those eggs hatch in 6-10 days. The entire life cycle takes just 4-5 weeks, meaning one pregnant female can start a full-blown infestation in a month.

"I thought it was just a rash. By the time I saw the first bug, my entire bedroom was compromised. Don't wait—act fast." — Sarah L., Montreal resident

Why DIY Usually Fails (And Makes It Worse)

Store-bought sprays? Useless against eggs. Foggers? They just scatter the bugs to new hiding spots. And that mattress encasement you bought? Great for containment, but it won't solve the problem in your baseboards, couch, and nightstand.

Ready to Reclaim Your Sleep? Let's Zap These Bed Bugs for Good

Sick of the itch? Nova Thermique delivers one-shot, chemical-free heat treatment that crushes bed bugs and eggs—guaranteed results, no mess, no chemicals. We cover Montreal, North Shore, and South Shore with immediate service to get you back to snoozing fast.

Grab your FREE no-obligation inspection now: www.novathermique.ca/en/contact or ring us at 438-270-1762. Bugs gone, the same day!