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LAWTON, Okla. – The Comanche County Health Department is warning residents of a bed bug outbreak in the area.

The health department said they are receiving at least two to three calls per day about bed bugs in Comanche County, KSWO reports.

Due to the increase, the health department wants residents to know how to prevent bed bugs from spreading.

The small, flat, bugs are reddish-brown bugs are the size of an apple seed.

The insects can hide almost anywhere inside your home.

“They can get into your electrical sockets, they can get into lamp shades, they can get into your curtains,” Health Specialist Zachary Foley told KSWO.

Experts expect the bed bug problem to get worse as the holiday travel season approaches.

The tiny bugs can get inside your luggage, purse, or coat.

“It’s a good idea to have a flash light when you go into a hotel room so you can check all the nooks and crannies, check behind the mattresses,” said Foley.

Health experts told KSWO that the tiny critters crave blood, but can go almost nine months without feeding on anyone.

Once a bed bug bites you, it may cause itching and loss of sleep.

If your home does become infested, heat will kill them.

There are professionals who will treat your home, but it can take 8 to 12 hours to work.

Click here for more information from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid bed bugs.