Bed Bugs Overview

Close up image of a bed bug

Characteristics:

  • Nocturnal: Bed bugs are active at night.
  • Appearance: They are reddish-brown, wingless insects with flattened bodies allowing them to hide in small areas such as mattress encasements
  • Habitat: They can hide in small areas such as mattress encasements, floor cracks, carpets, bedding, mattresses, and upholstered furniture.

Bed Bug Life Cycle

Egg Stage:

  • Appearance: Eggs are grain-like, milky-white in color, and approximately one millimeter in length (comparable to two grains of salt).
  • Laying Frequency: Female bed bugs lay between five and twelve eggs each day, with up to 500 eggs in their lifetime.
  • Placement: Eggs are laid either singly or in clusters, usually in tight cracks and crevices.
  • Hatching: Eggs hatch within a week, and newly born bed bugs immediately begin to feed.

Nymph Stage:

bed-bug-nymph

  • Appearance: Nymphs are smaller than adults, yellow-white in color, and not yet sexually mature.
  • Growth: Nymphs pass through five molting (growing) stages before reaching maturity. Each stage requires a blood meal.
  • Time to Maturity: Nymphs can molt and become adults within five weeks at room temperatures.

Adult Bed Bugs

Lifespan:

  • Typical Lifespan: Most bed bugs live for four to six months.
  • Longevity: Some bed bugs may live for years and can go months without feeding

What to Do If You Identify Bed Bugs

If you believe you have identified a bedbug within your home, or place of business contact your local pest control company immediately to schedule a bed bug inspection.