We’ve all heard the saying “Don’t let the bed bugs bite” but what may not be common knowledge is that references to bed bugs aren’t just part of an old adage to wish someone good night. Bed bugs, as they have been for years now, continue to be a big problem in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs as well as throughout Northern Colorado. They are a major source of irritation for property managers as well as for hotels, motels and private residences.

Bed bugs are tiny, nocturnal parasites that feed mainly on the blood of humans and sometimes warm-blooded animals. They have the ability to heavily infest lodgings, apartment buildings, and homes before they are detected. Usually a bed bug problem is identified when their tiny, red bites are discovered on people or when their feces and blood droppings are noticed on bed sheets and linens.

Bed bugs infestations are not signs of filthy conditions or sanitation issues and are just as likely to occur in five-star hotels as they are to show up in other lodgings or residences. That’s because bed bugs are accomplished hitchhikers and are commonly found where there is a high rate of occupancy turnover. They are also found on used furniture, luggage and clothing and may enter multi-unit housing complexes or homes on the backs of travelers or house guests.