Bed Bugs

What are bed bugs?  

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small insects that feed on human and animal blood, usually while people are sleeping. They are flat, oval-shaped, and typically the size of an apple seed. Their bodies are reddish-brown, and they look rounder after they have fed. 

Bed bugs cannot fly or jump, but they can crawl quickly. Because they are expert hitchhikers, they often easily travel between spaces by hiding on items like clothing, bags, furniture, or paper. They can also climb on or between walls, which allows them to move between spaces.  

Bed bugs like to hide in tight spaces and can fit into gaps as thin as a credit card. Look out for them in:  

  • Seams or cracks in the bed frame and headboard 
  • Seams of mattresses, box frames, chairs, couches, and other upholstered furniture 
  • Around electrical socket plates 
  • Door and window frames 
  • The seam where walls meet the ceiling 
  • Between the pages of books 

Anyone can get bed bugs, anywhere, and having them is not a sign of poor hygiene or a dirty home. They are more common in places where people may travel a lot or spend time close together, such as hotels, apartment buildings, residence halls, and forms of transportation like planes, trains, and buses.  

Can bed bugs spread disease? What happens with a bed bug bite? 

No. There are no confirmed reports of bed bugs spreading disease to or between humans.  

What a bite may look and feel like: 

  • Itchy bumps: Bites often referred to as “clusters and lines.” They often bite multiple times in a row or zig zag formation.  
  • No pain at first: Most people don’t feel the bites because they’re typically asleep when it happens. Additionally, the bed bug releases an anesthetic, a natural numbing substance, that prevents you from feeling the bite.  
  • Delayed reaction: Bite marks may take up to two weeks to appear, and some people don’t have a reaction to bed bug bites at all.  

If you want a medical provider to check a potential bite, please use the secure Patient Portal to make an appointment or call 212-854-7426. 

I’m really anxious about bed bugs. What can I do?  

For many people, bed bugs cause more stress for their mental health than their physical health.  It is completely normal to feel anxious, lose sleep, or feel overwhelmed. Evidence shows that people who have experienced bed bugs may have symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people even experience lingering stress – like feeling bugs crawling on them or feel as though their home is infested, even after their space has been successfully treated.   

If you’re experiencing anxiety or stress due to bed bugs, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services (212-854-2878) for support.  

How do I know if I have bed bugs?  

Bug bites alone may not be an indicator that you have bed bugs. Many bugs bite humans, and it can be hard to differentiate between the types of bites.  

Bed bugs can be hard to detect early on, but they may leave some signs of their presence:  

  • Blood stains: Dark red or brownish stains left behind when a bed bug is accidentally crushed.  
  • Fecal matter: Tiny dark stains that look like ink dots from a pen or marker. Because they absorb into fabrics, they may blur.  
  • Eggs or eggshells: Very tiny, pinhead-sized dots, and can be milky or pale yellow in color.  
  • Shed skins: Translucent, bug-shaped exoskeletons left behind as they grow.  
  • Live bed bugs: The bugs themselves hiding in cracks and crevices. 

Look for these signs in cracks and crevices around your home. You may need a flashlight or magnifying glass to see areas closely. 

How can I get rid of bed bugs? 

If you think you may have bed bugs, act quickly and contact your housing office right away. (Columbia Housing for CC/SEAS students, Columbia Residential for GS and Graduate students, or your apartment manager if you live off campus.  

Columbia has strict protocols in place to safely treat bed bugs to protect the community.  

Most DIY or home treatments do not treat bed bugs completely. For your health and safety, and the health and safety of the community, please do not try to treat bed bugs on your own. Professional pest control professionals are required to fully remove them. 

How can I prevent getting bed bugs in the future?  

You can lower your risk of bringing bed bugs into your home or other spaces with a few simple habits:   

  • When traveling: Keep your suitcase on a luggage rack or hard surface instead of on beds, couches, or the floor. Storing your luggage on a soft surface may increase the risk of picking up a hitchhiking bed bug.  
  • When returning home: Place your suitcase in the bathtub or shower until you have time to inspect it and ensure that no bugs were carried into your home.  
  • Reduce clutter: While clutter doesn’t attract bed bugs, it gives them more places to hide.  
  • Use protective covers: Put protective covers on your mattress or box spring. These can make bed bugs easier to see, reduce their hiding spots, and protect your belongings if an infestation happens.  
  • Check secondhand items: Be mindful about secondhand items. Carefully inspect used furniture, clothes, and books before bringing them inside.  

Where can I learn more?