Are you wondering what Bed Bugs look like?

Here is some information that may help you in determining if you have Bed Bugs

 

Common Name: Bed bug

Scientific Family: Climex lectularius Linnaeus

 

What color are Bed Bugs?

Unfed adults bed bugs are mahogany to rusty brown color. Engorged bed bugs are red-brown color after a blood meal. Nymphs (baby bed bugs) are nearly colorless when they first hatch and become brownish as they mature.

What shape are Bed Bugs?

Unfed bed bugs are flat and broad-oval. Fed bed bugs become swollen and more elongated, they resemble the shape of an apple seed.

How big are Bed Bugs?

Adult bed bugs can reach a size of about 1/4 inch long. Nymphs range from 1.3 mm to 4-5 mm.

Bed Bug Life Cycle

Bed bugs natural biology promotes infestation. Female bed bugs lay up to five eggs per day, or an average of 540 eggs in a lifetime. They prefer to lay their eggs in cracks or on rough surfaces. Bed bug nymphs grow to a full adult in about 21 days and go through five stages of development known as instars before they reach maturity. A bed bug will shed its exoskeleton once during each stage of growth, though a blood meal is required for a molt. An adult bed bug can live for several months without a blood meal.

 

 

Bed Bug Feeding

Bed bugs generally require 5-10 minutes to get their fill with blood. They feed by inserting two hollow, beak-like feeding tubes called a proboscis into their host. The first tube injects the bug’s saliva, which contains anesthetics to numb the feeding area. The second tube draws blood. After feeding, they move to secluded places and hide for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but instead digest their meal, mate and lay eggs.

 

 

 

 

If you think you have Bed Bugs don’t wait call today. The sooner an infestation is controlled the easier the process of elimination is