Bedbugs are extremely annoying insects due to their painful bites that cause intense itching that cannot be resisted. The problem is that they are very difficult to control, and people are forced to burn the mattress or throw it away as a sole solution to get rid of them. But what are bedbugs and how do they live? This is what we will discover in this article from teketrek.
What are Bedbugs?
Bedbugs are small parasitic insects that need human or animal blood to survive. These insects ingest this blood when they bite the surface of the skin.
Although they do not transmit disease, their bites can be annoying. Bedbugs are spread all over the world and are difficult to control. Even if you have a bedbug infestation, you may not see many bedbugs because they are active only at night. Also, their small size allows them to hide in hard-to-reach places such as cracks and crevices in the bed frame.
Bed bug life cycle
The appearance of bedbugs changes depending on their life stage:
Adult bedbugs are small, oval, flat, reddish-brown insects without wings. It is about the size of an apple seed.
Young bedbugs are called nymphs. They are smaller in size and are translucent or have a yellowish-white color. They can be almost invisible if they haven’t fed recently (feeding gives them a reddish-brown color).
Bedbug eggs are pearly white and very small, about the size of a pinhead.
Types of Bedbugs:
There are many species of bedbugs, all of which feed on blood. Most species prefer one mammalian host over another. For some, specific mammalian blood is necessary for laying viable eggs and surviving.
However, most bedbugs will feed on any available blood to sustain themselves if their preferred warm-blooded host is not available.
The most common species of bedbug associated with humans is formally known as Cimex lectularius. Human blood is their primary energy source; we harbor them, feed their young, and provide the nutrients they need for breeding and egg production.
If you find bedbugs in your home, they’re likely to be C. lectularius, but it’s important to remember that there’s a possibility of infestation by other species, such as bat bugs.
Bat bugs belong to the same family as bedbugs and are formally called Cimex adjunctus as their name suggests. They primarily live with and feed on bats, but when they invade homes, they will feed on human blood. They will only require bat blood for reproduction.
It’s crucial to identify the species of bedbugs you have because their habits and habitats are quite different. In a typical bedbug infestation, about 70% of bedbugs are either on the bed or near it.
You may not realize you’re dealing with a bat bug infestation until bat bugs are identified in your home. Typically, bat bug infestations are in the attic or wall voids where bats roost. These hiding places are entirely different from bedbug hiding spots. Controlling and removing bats and bat bugs must be addressed separately.
How Bedbug Bites Look:
Bedbug bites may appear red and slightly swollen. They can be random, appear in a straight line, or in a zigzag pattern. Bite marks appear in groups of 3 to 5. Bedbug bites can sometimes be mistaken for mosquito bites, flea bites, spider bites, rashes, or hives.
Signs of Bedbug Infestation in the Home:
- Bedbug Remnants: You may find bedbug remnants such as shed skins, eggs, or bloodstains on upholstery or bedding.
- Bites on the Skin: Bedbug bites may appear on the skin as small red marks clustered in groups.
- Foul Odor: You might notice a musty or foul odor in areas where bedbugs are present.
- Bloodstains on Clothes or Bedding: Small bloodstains may appear on clothes or bedding due to accumulated blood from bedbug bites.
- Tiny Bugs: You may see tiny white or transparent bugs, which are strong indicators of bedbug presence.
- Dark Spots on Walls or Furniture: Dark spots may appear on walls or furniture due to prolonged presence and buildup of bedbug remnants.
If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to take action to get rid of bedbugs and to contact an expert in pest control if necessary.
What are the Symptoms of Bedbug Bites?
Most people don’t immediately realize they’ve been bitten by bedbugs because the insects inject a numbing and anticoagulant substance (a material that prevents blood from clotting), making it difficult to detect the bite. In some cases, it may take up to 14 days for a bite mark to appear after the initial bite.
Some individuals may show no signs of bites at all, or only a small bite mark may appear. Others may experience itchy, irritating, red, and swollen bites.
Some people may suffer from allergic reactions to bedbug bites, leading to the appearance of large, painful, and swollen bite marks. In very rare cases, an allergic reaction to bedbug bites can result in severe allergic reactions.
Bed bug bites treatment
Bedbug bites are not usually serious and typically heal on their own within a week or two. However, excessive scratching can lead to infection in different areas.
How to Prevent Bedbug Bites:
The best way to prevent bedbug bites is to avoid bedbugs in the first place. Bedbugs tend to move with us and our belongings. Since bedbugs need human or animal blood to survive, they prefer to live near their host, such as in beds.
Causes of Bedbug Infestation in Homes:
- Travel: Bedbugs can travel with people or luggage during travel, which can then be transported to the home.
- Buying Used Furniture: Bedbugs may be present in used furniture, and they can transfer to the home upon purchase.
- Staying in Hotels or Shelters: Bedbugs may be present in some hotels or shelters, and therefore they can be brought back home upon return.
- Social Interaction: Bedbugs can transfer between homes through social interaction with friends or guests.
- Transfer from Neighbor to Neighbor: In multi-story residential buildings, bedbugs can transfer between apartments through gaps and hallways.
- Public Transportation: Bedbugs may be transported through public transportation such as buses or trains if there are crowds of people and luggage.
- Pets: Bedbugs can transfer from pets to the home, especially if they sleep in the same bed.
It’s important to take preventive measures such as inspecting used furniture before purchase, checking hotels and shelters before staying, practicing cleanliness in public transportation, and ensuring there are no bedbugs on pets to reduce the likelihood of bedbug infestation in the home.
FAQ:
- What are the causes of bed bug infestation?
- Travel: Bed bugs can travel with people or luggage during travel.
- Buying used furniture: Bed bugs may be present in used furniture that is purchased.
- Staying in hotels or shelters: Bed bugs can be transferred from hotels or shelters to the home.
- Social exchange: Bed bugs can be transferred between homes through social interaction.
- Public transportation: Bed bugs can be transferred via public transportation.
- Pets: Bed bugs can be transferred from pets to the home.
- What diseases do bed bugs cause?
Bed bugs themselves do not directly transmit diseases, but their bites can cause severe itching and skin irritation, which can sometimes lead to skin infections due to scratching excessively.
- How do bed bugs die in the home?
Bed bugs can die in the home when exposed to high heat, such as washing clothes in hot water or exposing bedding and furniture to direct sunlight for extended periods. Additionally, specialized insecticides can be used to effectively kill bed bugs and destroy their hiding places.
- What scent do bed bugs hate?
Bed bugs dislike scents of mint, lemon, and lavender, as well as aromatic herbs like thyme and chamomile. These scents are considered repulsive to bed bugs and may help deter or reduce their presence.
- What is the fastest way to get rid of bed bugs?
The fastest way to get rid of bed bugs is to use specialized insecticides specifically designed for bed bugs and apply them accurately according to the instructions for use.
- Does bleach kill bed bugs?
Bleach is not an effective method for killing bed bugs. It is better to use specialized insecticides to effectively and safely eliminate bed bugs.
- How can I tell if we have bed bugs?
You can tell if you have bed bugs by looking for these signs:
- Bed bug remnants like shed skins, eggs, or bloodstains on bedding or furniture.
- Bites on your skin, appearing as small red marks usually in clusters.
- Musty or foul odor in areas where bed bugs are present.
- Small bloodstains on clothes or bedding from bed bug bites.
- Tiny white or transparent bugs, indicating bed bug presence.
- Dark spots on walls or furniture from bed bug remnants.
If you notice these signs, consider taking action to eliminate bed bugs and consult a pest control expert if needed.
- What is the main cause of bed bugs?
The main cause of bed bugs is usually attributed to travel, as they can hitchhike on luggage or clothing.
- What kills bed bugs permanently?
Professional-grade pesticides, heat treatment above 120°F (49°C), and cold treatment below 0°F (-17°C) can effectively kill bed bugs permanently.
- What bugs can be mistaken for bed bugs?
Carpet beetles, booklice, bat bugs, swallow bugs, fleas, and cockroach nymphs are commonly mistaken for bed bugs due to their similar appearance.
In conclusion, bedbugs are extremely annoying creatures, and it’s advisable to get rid of them before they spread or cause physical harm. Sunlight is the best way to prevent bedbug reproduction, so it’s recommended to expose bedding to sunlight regularly.
