Bed bugs: what do they feed on, how do they appear, and where can they be found? - briefly
They subsist on human blood, occasionally biting other warm‑blooded hosts. Adults and nymphs develop in cracks, seams of mattresses, furniture, and luggage, commonly infesting homes, hotels, and transport vehicles.
Bed bugs: what do they feed on, how do they appear, and where can they be found? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) survive by extracting blood from warm‑blooded hosts, primarily humans. Their mouthparts pierce the skin and inject a small amount of anticoagulant before drawing a meal that typically lasts 5–10 minutes. An adult consumes roughly 0.1 ml of blood per feeding, which can sustain it for several weeks without another meal. In the absence of a host, nymphs and adults can endure months, reducing metabolic activity to conserve energy.
The insect’s morphology distinguishes it from other household pests. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, have a flattened, oval body, and display a reddish‑brown coloration that darkens after feeding. Their dorsum bears two distinct longitudinal ridges, and the antennae consist of four segments. Nymphs resemble miniature adults but are lighter in color and lack fully developed wings. Eggs are tiny (≈0.5 mm), creamy white, and are deposited in crevices close to the host’s resting place.
Typical habitats include:
- Mattress seams, box‑spring folds, and bed frames where the insects can remain concealed during daylight.
- Upholstered furniture, especially sofas and chairs that experience regular human contact.
- Wall voids, baseboard cracks, and electrical outlets that provide protected micro‑environments.
- Luggage, backpacks, and clothing, facilitating passive transport between residences, hotels, and public transport.
- Public venues such as dormitories, shelters, and healthcare facilities where high turnover of occupants creates frequent feeding opportunities.
Infestations often begin with a few individuals hidden in the immediate vicinity of a sleeping area. Over time, populations expand as nymphs molt through five developmental stages, each requiring a blood meal. The presence of dark‑colored fecal spots, shed exoskeletons, and a characteristic sweet, musty odor may indicate a mature colony. Prompt detection and comprehensive eradication—typically involving chemical treatment, heat exposure, and thorough cleaning—are essential to prevent widespread dissemination.