Complete Life Cycle Of Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs are the major problem across the world. They are easily spread, proliferate fast and Bed Bugs control is very difficult, leading to a rapid growth in bedbug infestation, which is best handled with professional bed bug solutions. Here we will look at the bed bug life cycle.

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are flat, oval-shaped insects that are reddish-brown in color and are about the size of an apple seed when fully grown. Bed bugs are nocturnal and are known to hide in cracks and crevices in and around beds, furniture, and other sleeping areas.

Life Cycle of Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs lay around 200-500 eggs over just a two month period, in batches of 10-50. Bed bugs eggs are whitish-cream, getting darker as they hatch to larvae. The adult female bed bugs must have a blood meal before hatching; the eggs are usually laid in a crack or crevice and be attached to furniture and fittings with a transparent substance. Bed bugs undergo a gradual metamorphosis with three main stages in their life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. Each stage is critical for their development, and here are the seven stages in detail:

1. Egg Stage (1-2 weeks):

• The bed bug life cycle begins with eggs.
• Female bed bugs lay tiny, white, oval-shaped eggs, usually in clusters of 10-50.
• Eggs are typically laid in cracks and crevices near the host, where they are less likely to be disturbed.

2. First Instar Nymph (1-4 weeks):

• Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs emerge.
• Nymphs are tiny and translucent and need to feed on blood to molt to the next stage.
• They resemble adults in shape but are smaller and lighter in color.

3. Second Instar Nymph (1-4 weeks):

• After the first blood meal, the nymph undergoes its first molt, becoming a second instar nymph.
• Similar in appearance to the first instar nymph but slightly larger.

4. Third Instar Nymph (1-4 weeks):

• After the second blood meal, the nymph molts again to become a third instar nymph.
• It is larger and darker than the previous instars.

5. Fourth Instar Nymph (1-2 weeks):

• Following the third blood meal, the nymph becomes a fourth instar nymph.
• It continues to grow and darken in color.

6. Fifth Instar Nymph (2-4 weeks):

• After the fourth blood meal and final molt, the nymph becomes a fifth instar nymph.
• This stage is the last nymphal stage before adulthood.

7. Adult Stage (several months to a year or more):

• The fifth instar nymph develops into a fully mature adult bed bug.
• Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, flat, and about the size of an apple seed.
• They require regular blood meals to reproduce and can live for several months to a year or more, depending on environmental conditions.

It’s important to note that the duration of each stage of bed bugs life cycle can vary based on factors such as temperature, availability of a blood host, and other environmental conditions.

Bed bugs feed only on blood and nothing else. They can survive up to a year without a meal. Naturally, they are active a night, when one is asleep can they can feed undeterred. When bed bugs babies (nymphs) moult, their skin gives them away. After feeding, bed bugs return to their safe harbours and defecate, leaving black to brown stains on porous surfaces and black to brown mounds on a nonporous surface. Since bugs are dorsoventrally flattered and then, they can hide in unusual places; even behind the loose wallpaper.

9 Best Ways to Identify Bed Bugs Infestation

Identifying a bed bug infestation involves looking for physical signs of their presence. Here are some common indicators to help you determine if you have a bed bug infestation:

1. Bite Marks: Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts on the skin. They may be arranged in a linear or clustered pattern. However, bites alone are not a definitive indicator of bed bugs, as other insects and skin conditions can cause similar reactions.
2. Live Bugs: Look for live bed bugs in and around sleeping areas. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are reddish-brown in color. They have a flat, oval shape and six legs. Nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller and lighter in color.
3. Shed Skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their outer skins. Look for empty exoskeletons, which can often be found near their hiding spots.
4. Blood Stains: If you’ve been bitten, you might crush a bed bug while rolling over in your sleep, leaving behind small blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases.
5. Fecal Stains: Bed bugs excrete fecal matter, which appears as small, dark brown or black spots on bedding, mattresses, or nearby surfaces. These stains often resemble tiny ink dots.
6. Egg Casings: Bed bugs lay tiny, white eggs that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They are often laid in clusters and may be found in cracks, crevices, or seams of furniture and bedding.
7. Musty Odor: Some people describe a musty or sweet odor in areas with a significant bed bug infestation. This odor is caused by chemicals released by the bugs.
8. Hiding Spots: Bed bugs are skilled at hiding. Inspect seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and other furniture near sleeping areas.
9. Other Areas: While bed bugs are commonly associated with beds, they can also infest other areas of a home, such as couches, chairs, curtains, and even behind picture frames or electrical outlets.

Top 9 Tips on How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs can be a challenging process that often requires a combination of thorough cleaning, targeted treatments, and professional assistance. Here’s a general guide on how to get rid of bed bugs:

1. Confirm the Infestation: Before taking any action, make sure you have correctly identified the presence of bed bugs. Consider hiring a professional pest control expert to conduct a thorough inspection and confirm the infestation.
2. Declutter and Clean: Reduce clutter in your living space to eliminate hiding spots for bed bugs. Vacuum regularly, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and seams of mattresses, furniture, and baseboards. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag immediately after use.
3. Wash and Dry: Wash bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water (at least 60°C or 140°F) and dry them on high heat. Heat is effective in killing bed bugs and their eggs.
4. Encase Mattresses and Box Springs: Use bed bug-proof mattress and box spring encasements to trap any remaining bed bugs and prevent them from escaping or feeding.
5. Isolate Infested Items: If you have identified infested items, isolate them in plastic bags and place them outdoors in the sun for several hours. Extreme heat can help kill bed bugs.
6. Use Pesticides: While DIY pesticide sprays are available, they are often not very effective against bed bugs, and improper use can pose health risks. If you decide to use pesticides, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and consider consulting a professional pest control expert.
7. Professional Treatment: In many cases, professional pest control is the most effective way to eliminate a bed bug infestation. Pest control professionals have access to specialized equipment and treatments that are more effective at eradicating bed bugs. They may use methods such as heat treatments, steam treatments, or targeted insecticide applications.
8. Monitor and Repeat: Even after treatment, it’s important to monitor for any signs of bed bug activity and repeat treatments if necessary. Bed bug eggs can be resilient, so multiple treatments may be required to fully eliminate the infestation.
9. Prevent Reinfestation: After successfully treating a bed bug infestation, take steps to prevent reinfestation. Be cautious when acquiring used furniture, inspect hotel rooms when traveling, and maintain good hygiene and cleaning practices in your living spaces.

HiCare: Best Bed Bugs Control Company

Bed bugs pest control services from HiCare are safe for pregnant women kids and pets: eliminating bed bugs with safe approved chemicals in the right dosages. The health and peace of mind of the family are assured with HiCare’s effective, quick, hassle-free service. These skilled professionals will locate all hidden bed bugs retreats ad inject the with safe bed bug killer chemicals(best in class chemicals) that kill bed bugs totally, The second round of bed bugs treatment is done after 15 days to kill the newly hatched bed bug nymphs; as the eggs can’t be destroyed. With the extended one year warranty, you have freedom from bed bugs.