Understanding the Bed Bug Cycle: A Homeowner’s Guide
December 20, 2022
If you’ve ever dealt with bed bugs, you know just how frustrating and problematic they can be to get rid of. The key to successfully removing bed bugs from your home is understanding the life cycle of a bed bug and knowing how to identify them. Fortunately, Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions can help walk you through the process so that you can take back control of your home!
The Life Cycle of a Bed Bug
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood. They typically live within eight feet of where people sleep, which makes them especially difficult to detect. However, understanding their life cycle can help you identify and eradicate them from your home.
Bed bugs typically go through the following stages in their life cycle — egg, nymph (five stages), and adult. The cycle takes anywhere from four weeks to four months, depending on the environment and temperature. Bed bugs usually lay five eggs per day and up to 500 over their lifetime. It takes around 6-10 days for eggs to hatch into nymphs, or baby bed bugs, which then molt five times before becoming adults. Adult female bed bugs live for around 200 days, while males only live for about 120 days.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Familiarizing yourself with what bed bugs look like to quickly identify them if they appear in your home is essential. Adult bed bugs are approximately 1/4 inch long, have an oval shape, and are reddish-brown — though they may become darker or lighter depending on how recently they have fed. Nymphs are much smaller in size and white in color until after they feed on blood; then, they turn bright red. Additionally, although it might not be pleasant, one way to identify if there is a bed bug infestation is by looking for dark or rusty spots on mattresses or sheets due to fecal matter from the bugs themselves.
Knowing how to recognize the signs of a potential infestation is one of the most critical steps in preventing an infestation altogether. With the help of Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions‘ guide on understanding the life cycle of a bed bug combined with our expert pest services – homeowners can rest assured that their homes will be free from any pesky critters!
Don’t hesitate to contact us today – we look forward to helping! Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions offers various general pest control services, including regular inspection and treatment, to keep bed bugs and other invaders at bay. Visit our website for more information, or call (901) 377-9915 to schedule an appointment.
Established in 1997, family-owned and -operated, Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions has served numerous customers throughout the mid-south area of Olive Branch, Mississippi. We lead the mid-south pest control industry through community education, affordability, and top-notch customer service.