Understanding the Bed Bug Life Cycle
The problem is that bed bugs are survivors
For homeowners, there are few worse infestations than the dreaded bed bug. These minuscule parasites can make life miserable as they can reproduce rapidly and spread themselves into every nook and cranny of the home. Thankfully, understanding the lifecycle of these bloodsucking critters can make a big difference in ridding a home of them for good. Here is a comprehensive guide to the life cycle of the hideous bed bug.
Eggs
As is the case with many parasites, eggs are how bed bugs reproduce. Thus, this is where the bed bug life cycle commences. The female produces eggs, laying hundreds upon hundreds of tiny eggs throughout their year-long lifespan.
Furthermore, they don’t lay eggs one at a time; bed bugs like to play a numbers game and can release roughly 50 eggs per sitting. The preferred birthing location for these clusters of tiny eggs tends to be in hard-to-reach, hidden openings. To make matters worse, they’re also fond of laying their eggs in bedding, upholstery, and other places far too close for comfort.
Nymph
Bed bugs don’t remain contained within their eggs forever. The next stage in these vampiric creatures’ life cycle after hatching is becoming a nymph. On the surface, a nymph bears many similarities to an adult, but some key differences exist. Namely, they’re smaller in size, slightly different in color, and sexually undeveloped compared to their adult counterparts.
A nymph goes through five distinct stages that are crucial for achieving adulthood. Unfortunately, during the progression of these natural developmental phases, nymphs must feast on a steady supply of blood. The transformation from nymph to adult lasts roughly eight weeks.
Adulthood
The final and most annoying stage of the bed bug life cycle is when the parasite reaches full maturity and becomes an adult. Unfortunately, while adult bed bugs can and do feed upon other animals, such as rodents and birds, their favorite meal is a human-based diet. Thus, an infestation can catalyze various health problems, from infections to allergic reactions.
Fully mature adult bed bugs can live for up to a year in the right conditions. Therefore, they can be long-term, annoying, and bitey roommates who constantly feed on human blood. An adult bed bug feeds regularly but prefers weekly blood meals under ideal circumstances.
Save blood and call an expert
No homeowner wants to wake up with less blood in their body than when they went to sleep. Therefore, ridding a home of these pesky bugs as soon as possible is essential. The problem is that bed bugs are survivors. They reproduce at astronomical rates, hide in inaccessible spaces, are hyper-resilient, and are masters of re-infestation.
Pest control professionals have the knowledge, tools, and expertise about bed bug biology and habits. Thus, bringing one in can eradicate these parasitic critters for good.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.
