Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite You

There's a bedbug epidemic gripping Ohio and New York. They've even attacked a popular movie theater in Times Square.

So where do they hide and what can you do to avoid them?

Bedbugs: How to Counter Their Comeback

Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs with the National Pest Management Association, a non-profit group, appeared on "The Early Show" with some advice and tips for people looking to keep bedbugs at bay.

So how do you recognize them?

Henriksen said people need to be educated about bedbugs and be vigilant on what they are looking for.

She said bedbugs leave itchy welts or big bumps in a pattern of three.

"(The pattern) we say is breakfast, lunch and dinner for the bedbugs," Henriksen said.

But if you don't see bites, Henriksen said the bugs can look like an apple seed or lentil.

Henriksen says people can also see the bugs' black excrement on surfaces.

So why are bedbugs so prevalent now?

Henriksen explained, "It's a misnomer that bedbugs are only in beds. It's not a socio-economic-oriented pest. They are not something that is a hygiene-oriented pest. So you want to do some inspections."

She added if you're bringing secondhand furniture into your home, you should check it for any unwanted guests. She recommended checking all cracks and crevices for the vermin -- especially underneath furniture in the dark where they like to hide.

Also, with increased travel, Henriksen says people should check hotel rooms and never put their belongings on the floor or bed. Shoes, she said, are another common bedbug hiding place.

She said, "Bedbugs are hitchhikers, they like to be with you, they like to be on your items and travel with you."

For more on bedbugs with Henriksen, click on the video below.

For more on bedbugs, go to WebMD here or check out the National Pest Management Association website.