MOUNT VERNON — The old bedtime adage, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite,” has more truth than some may suspect. The bed bugs are known for their habits of living in seams and folds of mattresses, and crevices of bed framework, but they are not confined to these locations.

According to information released by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, bed bugs feed on blood and cause itchy irritation from their bites.

“You can find them usually in the bedroom or where people are sleeping or spend a lot of time,” said Bob Amore, owner of Independent Termite & Pest Control Inc.

“They can be in the room, the dresser, the baseboard, the wall sockets, in clothing, and anywhere they can hide,” said Richard Amore, owner of Helmick’s Exterminating. “If they are really bad, you can see them but if it’s just one or two, you wouldn’t be able to tell they are there.”

Bed bug infestation may also occupy fabric and wood including recliners, couches, walls, clothing, luggage, bedding, and other furniture.

“Normally they come out at night to feed,” said Bob. “They do act like a roach, in a way, because bed bugs like to be in-between something like cloth or wood to feel protected.”

The pests are notorious for their ability to “hitchhike” and spread from one place to the next often unnoticed by the carrier.

kenesha.beheler@mountvernonnews.com