Where do domestic bedbugs reproduce? - briefly
Female bedbugs deposit eggs in concealed crevices such as mattress seams, box‑spring folds, furniture joints, and wall voids. These sheltered locations protect the eggs until they hatch.
Where do domestic bedbugs reproduce? - in detail
Domestic bedbugs reproduce in concealed micro‑habitats that provide protection, proximity to a blood source, and suitable environmental conditions. Females deposit eggs singly or in clusters of up to five, attaching them to rough or fibrous surfaces. The preferred sites share common characteristics: darkness, limited disturbance, and a stable microclimate with relative humidity between 70 % and 80 % and temperatures around 24 °C–27 °C.
Typical oviposition locations include:
- seams, folds, and tags of mattresses and box springs;
- crevices in bed frames, headboards, and footboards;
- joints and edges of upholstered furniture, especially sofas and armchairs;
- cracks in walls, baseboards, and plaster;
- gaps behind picture frames, mirrors, and wall hangings;
- voids inside electrical outlets, switch plates, and wiring boxes;
- behind loose wallpaper, crown molding, and decorative trim;
- under carpets, rugs, and floorboards;
- within luggage compartments, suitcases, and travel bags left in the home.
Eggs hatch in 6–10 days under optimal conditions. Nymphs emerge directly onto the same substrate, where they remain concealed while feeding on the host during nighttime. The proximity of these sites to sleeping areas enables rapid access to blood meals, accelerating the life cycle. Regular inspection of the listed micro‑habitats, combined with removal of clutter and sealing of cracks, disrupts the reproductive environment and reduces population growth.