What do bedbugs feed on and how to get rid of them?

What do bedbugs feed on and how to get rid of them? - briefly

Bedbugs subsist on the blood of humans, typically biting during nighttime hours. Effective eradication relies on thorough cleaning, encasing mattresses and furniture, and applying professional insecticide treatments.

What do bedbugs feed on and how to get rid of them? - in detail

Bedbugs subsist exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded animals, with humans serving as their primary host. During a feeding session the insect inserts its elongated proboscis into the skin, releases anticoagulant saliva, and extracts a minute volume of blood, typically 0.1–0.5 ml per bite. Feeding occurs primarily at night when the host is immobile; the insect can remain attached for five to ten minutes before retreating to a concealed harbor.

The life cycle consists of egg, five nymphal instars, and adult. Each molt requires a blood meal; consequently, a single female may ingest dozens of meals during her lifespan, producing up to 500 eggs over several months. This rapid reproductive capacity explains the swift escalation of infestations.

Effective control combines several complementary actions:

• Inspection and removal

  • Examine seams, mattress tags, box‑spring corners, headboards, and furniture joints for live insects, shed skins, or fecal spots.
  • Use a stiff brush or vacuum with a HEPA filter to dislodge and capture specimens; discard vacuum contents in a sealed bag.

• Thermal treatment

  • Raise ambient temperature to at least 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes, or apply a portable steamer to cracks and fabric surfaces.
  • Launder infested linens and clothing on the hottest cycle (≥ 60 °C/140 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

• Chemical intervention

  • Apply EPA‑registered insecticides formulated for bedbugs, focusing on cracks, crevices, and baseboards. Rotate active ingredients to mitigate resistance.
  • Use residual sprays for long‑term protection and contact sprays for immediate knockdown.

• Encasement

  • Install zippered mattress and box‑spring covers rated for bedbug containment; retain for one year to ensure any hidden insects die without feeding.

• Professional monitoring

  • Deploy interceptor traps under bed legs to capture wandering insects and provide ongoing detection.
  • Consider integrated pest‑management services for large‑scale or resistant infestations.

Prevention hinges on limiting transport opportunities: inspect second‑hand furniture, seal luggage when traveling, and maintain clutter‑free environments to reduce hiding places. Consistent application of the measures above, coupled with vigilant monitoring, eradicates established populations and prevents re‑establishment.