What is a bed bug? - briefly
A bed bug is a small, flat, nocturnal insect (Cimex lectularius) that feeds on human blood, typically hiding in mattress seams, furniture crevices, and other close‑contact surfaces. Infestations are identified by reddish bite marks, itchy welts, and the presence of shed skins or dark fecal spots.
What is a bed bug? - in detail
The insect commonly called a bed bug is a small, wing‑less, hematophagous arthropod belonging to the family Cimicidae. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, have a flattened, oval body and a reddish‑brown coloration that darkens after feeding. Their mouthparts are adapted into a pierce‑and‑suck proboscis capable of penetrating human skin to ingest blood.
Life cycle proceeds through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay 1–5 eggs per day, depositing them in cracks, seams of mattresses, or other protected crevices. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days, producing first‑instar nymphs that resemble miniature adults but lack reproductive capacity. Nymphs undergo five molts, each requiring a blood meal; the interval between molts ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on temperature and host availability. Under optimal conditions (20–30 °C, high humidity), the entire cycle from egg to reproducing adult can be completed in about one month.
Key biological traits include:
- Nocturnal activity: Adults emerge at night to feed, typically remaining hidden during daylight.
- Host preference: Primarily humans, but they will also bite birds, rodents, and other warm‑blooded mammals.
- Survival resilience: Capable of living several months without a blood meal; adults can endure temperatures down to –10 °C for limited periods and survive brief exposures to 45 °C.
- Chemical resistance: Populations have developed resistance to many commonly used insecticides, necessitating integrated pest‑management approaches.
Feeding behavior involves injecting saliva that contains anticoagulants and anesthetic compounds, which often prevents immediate detection of the bite. Reactions vary from no visible sign to itchy, erythematous welts. Repeated exposure can lead to sensitization and more pronounced dermatological responses.
Control measures rely on a combination of mechanical, chemical, and environmental strategies:
- Inspection and removal: Vacuuming infested areas, laundering bedding at ≥ 60 °C, and sealing cracks reduce population density.
- Heat treatment: Raising ambient temperature to 50–55 °C for several hours eliminates all life stages.
- Insecticide application: Use of regulated pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, or desiccant dusts, applied by certified professionals, targets concealed bugs while minimizing resistance development.
- Monitoring: Placement of passive traps and active interceptors helps assess infestation levels and verify treatment efficacy.
Understanding the morphology, development, and behavior of this parasite is essential for accurate identification, effective eradication, and prevention of re‑infestation in residential and commercial settings.