Description:
Bed bugs are ectoparasites that grow to
be ¼ inch long, are oval shaped and
appear flattened when viewed from the
side.
Their color ranges from translucent
yellow (nymph) to dark red-brown
(adult).
They feed on the blood of humans, birds,
and other mammals.
Life Cycle:
Once fertilized a female will lay 1-6
eggs per day for the rest of her life
(200-500 lifetime). The eggs hatch into
nymphs which go through 5 instar stages
before becoming adults.
Adult Bed
Bugs:
Adult bed bugs are oval, wingless, about
1/4 inch long, and rusty red or mahogany
in color.
Their bodies are flattened, they have
well-developed antennae, their compound
eyes are small, and the area behind the
head (the prothorax) expands forward on
either side of the head.
Bed bugs can go without feeding for 80
to 140 days; older stages can survive
longer without feeding than younger
ones.
Facts &
Myths:
•
They can Hitch a ride or
move around on furniture, clothing,
purses, luggage.
•
Contrary to belief the
chances of spreading bed bugs by
carrying them on your pants or shoes is
very slim.
•
They are very resilient.
Nymphs can survive months without
feeding and adults over a year.
•
They are not associated
with the transmission of human disease.
•
In 70°F temperature and
under optimal conditions, if 40 bed bugs
are in a room on May 2nd, by November
2nd the population would increase to
5,905 bugs.
•
They are low light
feeders, feeding mostly in morning just
as sun rises.
•
Bed bugs are no more
likely to infest filth, poverty, or
substandard housing then a plus home.
•
In severe infestation of
bed bugs there may be a unique sweet and
musty odor.
