Where does a bedbug lay its eggs?

Where does a bedbug lay its eggs? - briefly

They deposit their eggs in concealed cracks and seams near a host, such as mattress edges, box‑spring folds, headboard joints, and furniture crevices. This hidden placement protects the developing embryos until they hatch.

Where does a bedbug lay its eggs? - in detail

Bedbugs deposit their eggs in protected, concealed areas close to a host’s resting place. The insects prefer flat, smooth surfaces that are difficult to detect and remove.

Typical oviposition sites include:

  • seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, and bed frames;
  • headboards, footboards, and nearby wall panels;
  • upholstery seams, couch cushions, and chair backs;
  • cracks in baseboards, picture frames, and wall hangings;
  • luggage tags, suitcase interiors, and travel bags;
  • behind wallpaper, under carpets, and within floorboards.

Each female can lay 1–5 eggs per day, accumulating 200–300 eggs over her lifetime. Eggs are about 1 mm long, white to pale yellow, and adhere to surfaces with a sticky coating. They are arranged in clusters of 10–50, often concealed within the same micro‑habitat as the adult insects.

Incubation lasts 6–10 days at typical indoor temperatures (22–26 °C). Humidity influences development; relative humidity above 70 % accelerates hatching, while lower levels extend the period. Upon emergence, nymphs remain near the egg mass until they locate a blood source.

Effective control requires thorough inspection of all listed locations, removal of infested material, and targeted treatment of concealed areas where eggs are likely to be hidden.