Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius)
Appearance
Unfed bed bugs are flat and broad oval in shape. When bed bugs are fed they become swollen and more elongated.
Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 inch long. Nymphs (baby bed bugs) range from 1.3 mm to 4-5 mm. Unfed adults are mahogany to rusty brown; engorged bed bug is red-brown after a blood meal.
Nymphs (baby bed bugs) are nearly colourless when they first hatch and become brownish as they mature.
Habits
Bed bugs like to travel and hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply.
They are elusive, nocturnal creatures and can conceal themselves behind baseboards and in cracks, crevices, and folded areas of beds, bedding and adjacent furniture, especially mattresses and box springs close to a human environment.
Bedbugs can also hide in electrical switch plates, picture frames, wallpaper and nearly anywhere inside a home, car, bus, or other shelter. They usually come out at night for a blood meal.
However as they are opportunistic insects they can also take a blood meal during the day, especially in heavily-infested areas. Bedbugs usually require 5-10 minutes to engorge with blood.
After feeding, they move to secluded places and hide for a period of 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but instead digest their meal, mate, and lay more eggs.
Threats
Bedbugs feed only on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts. They do not transmit diseases, but can cause irritation and swelling at the site of the bite. Scratching the skin can in some cases result in local infections.
Prevention
- Inspect and vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation.
- Check bed sheets for tell-tale blood spots.
- Some Bedbugs have recently become immune to most classes of insecticides and professional management is the wisest solution.
How to Check if I Have Bedbugs?
Check out this video below giving you advice on how to inspect your rooms for bedbugs:
DIY Bedbug Treatments - Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Click on the links below for more details or to buy DIY bedbug killing products online
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