Where are bedbugs born? - briefly
Bedbugs emerge from eggs deposited by adult females in the tiny cracks, seams, and folds of furniture, bedding, and wall voids. The eggs hatch into nymphs that remain in the same concealed locations until they mature.
Where are bedbugs born? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) originate from eggs laid by fertilised females. Female insects deposit each egg in a protected micro‑habitat, ensuring the nymphs have immediate access to a blood meal after hatching. Preferred deposition sites share common characteristics: darkness, limited disturbance, and proximity to a host.
Typical locations for egg‑laying include:
- Cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and flooring.
- Seams, tufts, and folds of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture.
- Behind picture frames, wall hangings, and electrical outlet covers.
- Within the headboard, footboard, and bed frame joints.
- Inside luggage, backpacks, and clothing stored near sleeping areas.
- Under carpet edges, rugs, and floorboards.
Environmental conditions influence egg development. Optimal temperature ranges from 22 °C to 30 °C (72 °F–86 °F) and relative humidity between 60 % and 80 %. Within these parameters, embryogenesis completes in approximately 6–10 days. Below 15 °C (59 °F), development slows markedly, extending the incubation period to several weeks.
The life cycle proceeds as follows: egg → first‑instar nymph → subsequent nymphal stages → adult. Each nymphal molt requires a blood meal, reinforcing the necessity of locating eggs near host resting places. Consequently, the “birthplaces” of bedbugs are intrinsically linked to human sleeping environments and any concealed structure that offers the described shelter and climate.