Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are about the size of an apple seed and are most active at night. Bed bugs can hide in various places, including mattresses, bed frames, and furniture, making them difficult to detect. These pests reproduce quickly, with a female laying up to five eggs per day. Bed bug bites can cause itchy welts on the skin, leading to discomfort and potential secondary infections. Effective treatment often requires professional pest control services to eliminate these resilient insects from infested areas.