How many eggs do domestic bedbugs lay? - briefly
A female common bedbug usually lays between one and five eggs each day, accumulating roughly 200 to 500 eggs during her reproductive period.
How many eggs do domestic bedbugs lay? - in detail
Domestic bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) typically deposit between one and five eggs each day. A single female can lay a total of roughly 200 to 500 eggs over her reproductive lifespan, which lasts about three to four months under optimal conditions.
Egg production depends on temperature, blood‑meal frequency, and the age of the female. Warmer environments (25–30 °C) accelerate oviposition, while cooler temperatures slow it down. After a full blood meal, a female begins laying within 3–5 days. Egg clusters, called oothecae, contain 5–7 eggs each and are glued to crevices near the host’s sleeping area.
Incubation lasts 6–10 days at 25 °C; lower temperatures extend the period up to 14 days. Hatchlings emerge as first‑instar nymphs, which require a blood meal before molting to the next stage. The reproductive output of a population can be estimated by multiplying the daily egg count by the number of active females and the length of the breeding season.
Key factors influencing total egg numbers:
- Temperature: 25–30 °C → maximal daily oviposition; <20 °C → reduced output.
- Blood‑meal frequency: each successful feeding triggers a new batch of eggs.
- Female age: peak laying occurs during the first two months of adulthood.
- Host availability: continuous access to a host sustains high egg production.
Understanding these parameters helps predict infestation growth and informs control strategies.