Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, wingless, blood-sucking insects, parasitic on humans. It is a flat and rusty-brown, somewhat resembling an apple seed, which has an offensive, never-forgotten smell. It is becoming increasingly prevalent in hotels, hostels, sleeper trains, cruise ships and private homes – probably transported in clothing, luggage and bedding. The average life is 3–6 months, but it can live for a year without food. The bed bug remains hidden during the day in cracks in walls and floors, and in beds. Eggs hatch out into larvae in 6–10 days, which become adult within about 12 weeks. It does not transmit any known disease although the itching they provoke may result in skin infections through scratching. The presence of bed bugs can be detected by seeing the bugs or black spots on the under surface of mattresses. Pest management control companies can deal with infestations and clothes should be washed at 60 degrees or, if fragile, by freezing.