What are bedbugs? - briefly
Bedbugs are small, wingless insects (Cimex lectularius) that feed on human blood, usually at night, and hide in mattress seams, furniture, and cracks. Their bites cause itchy welts and may lead to secondary skin infections.
What are bedbugs? - in detail
Bedbugs are tiny, wingless insects belonging to the family Cimicidae, most commonly represented by Cimex lectularius. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, have a flattened oval body, and display a reddish‑brown color that darkens after feeding. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and extracting blood.
The species undergoes a complete metamorphosis consisting of egg, five nymphal instars, and adult stages. Under optimal conditions (temperature 20‑30 °C, humidity > 50 %), development from egg to mature insect requires 4–6 weeks. Females lay 1–5 eggs per day, depositing them in crevices near host resting sites; a single female can produce several hundred offspring in a year.
Bedbugs are nocturnal feeders that locate hosts by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, and kairomones. They attach to exposed skin, feed for 5–10 minutes, and withdraw before the host awakens. Visible evidence of infestation includes:
- Small, rust‑colored spots on bedding (digested blood)
- Tiny, white to brown shed skins (exuviae)
- Live insects in mattress seams, furniture joints, or wall voids
- Unexplained bites, often in linear or clustered patterns
Medical consequences are generally limited to skin irritation, pruritus, and occasional allergic reactions. No credible evidence links these insects to the transmission of infectious diseases.
Effective management combines several tactics:
- Inspection – systematic examination of sleeping areas, furniture, and adjoining walls.
- Physical removal – vacuuming, steam treatment, and laundering fabrics at ≥ 60 °C.
- Chemical control – application of EPA‑registered insecticides following label instructions.
- Encasement – use of mattress and box‑spring covers designed to trap insects.
- Monitoring – placement of interceptor traps under legs of beds and furniture to detect ongoing activity.
Integrated approaches, performed by trained professionals, yield the highest probability of eradication and prevent re‑infestation.