Size: 6mm long
Colour: brown
Information
Bed bugs are small, brownish, flattened insects that feed solely on the blood of animals. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is the species most adapted to living with humans. It has done so since ancient times.
Bed bugs are mentioned, for example, in medieval European texts and in classical Greek writings back to the time of Aristotle. Other bed bug species prefer to feed on wild hosts, especially bats and birds.
Life cycle
Adult bed bugs are about 6mm long and reddish brown, with oval, flattened bodies. The immature (nymphs) resemble the adults, but are smaller and somewhat lighter in colour. Bed bugs do not fly, but can move quickly over floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces. Female bed bugs lay their eggs in secluded areas, depositing up to five a day and 500 during a lifetime. The eggs are tiny, whitish, and hard to see without magnification (individual eggs are about the size of a dust spec). When first laid, the eggs are sticky, causing them to adhere to substrates. Newly hatched nymphs are no bigger than a pinhead. As they grow, they shed their skin five times before reaching maturity. A blood meal is needed between each successive moult. Under favourable conditions (70 - 90° F), the bugs can complete development in as little as a month, producing three or more generations per year. Cool temperatures or limited access to a blood meal extends the development time. Bed bugs are very resilient and can survive months without feeding. Bites will be evident on parts of the body exposed at night and produce swelling and irritation.
Infestations have been associated with social depravation and poor standards of hygiene, however, bedbugs can easily be introduced into any home following the introduction of infested second hand furniture or in luggage following foreign travel
Bed bugs are active mainly at night. During the daytime, they prefer to hide close to where people sleep. Their flattened bodies enable them to fit into tiny crevices - especially those associated with mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards, picture frames and loose wallpaper seams. Bed bugs do not have nests like ants or bees, but do tend to congregate in habitual hiding places.
Control
In view of the many potential and often inaccessible harbourages available to these insects, effective control of these pests is often very difficult and because of this, the help of a professional pest control officer should sought. In addition bedding and clothing can be washed and tumble dried, mattresses can be steam treated or disposed of.
