Bed bugs can cause a lot of stress. But knowing what they look like, where they hide and how they spread can help you avoid bringing them home.

These tiny, blood-feeding insects have become a growing pest problem in the U.S. over recent decades.

Awareness and a few simple habits are the best ways to avoid them, said Robert Puckett, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist and associate professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology.

“They’re showing up everywhere — hotels, theaters, aircraft, buses, trains,” he said. “Unfortunately, you’ve probably been around bed bugs before and just didn’t know it.”

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are easier to identify than you might think.

Adult bed bugs are small, flat, wingless and reddish-brown. They’re about the size, shape and color of an apple seed, Puckett said.

Young bed bugs, called nymphs, are much smaller and lighter in color until they feed.

Bed bugs don’t spread disease-causing pathogens, but their bites can cause itchy welts. Bites often appear in a line because of repeated probing while feeding.

For more information, learn about the bed bug life cycle and treatment for bites.

Travel tips to avoid bringing home bed bugs

• Keep luggage off the floor when entering a hotel room.
• Use luggage racks or place bags in the bathtub while inspecting the room.
• Check mattress seams and headboards for dark spots or stains.
• If you see signs of bed bugs, request a different room or change hotels.

Common signs of bed bugs

Typical signs that are easy to look for include:

• Small, reddish-brown bugs near sleeping areas.
• Dark, ink-like stains on mattresses or bedding.
• Shed bed bug skins.

Bed bugs feed at night and typically hide during the day. Common hiding places include mattress seams, headboards or nearby furniture.

They can survive weeks to months without feeding, depending on the temperature.