Who are bedbugs and where do they live? - briefly
Bedbugs are tiny, wingless insects (Cimex lectularius) that feed exclusively on the blood of humans and warm‑blooded animals. They inhabit cracks and crevices near sleeping sites, such as mattress seams, box‑spring folds, bed frames, and adjacent furniture.
Who are bedbugs and where do they live? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, have a flattened, oval body, and display a reddish‑brown coloration after feeding. They possess piercing‑sucking mouthparts that extract blood from warm‑blooded hosts, primarily humans. Their life cycle comprises egg, five nymphal instars, and adult stages; each nymph requires a blood meal to molt to the next stage. Development time varies with temperature, ranging from several weeks to months.
Habitat preferences are dictated by access to hosts and suitable hiding places. Bedbugs concentrate in environments that provide darkness, warmth, and proximity to sleeping areas. Typical locations include:
- Mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames
- Headboards, nightstands, and furniture crevices
- Wall voids, baseboards, and electrical outlet covers
- Luggage, clothing, and personal items during travel
- Public lodging such as hotels, hostels, and dormitories
Infestations often spread through the transport of contaminated items. In residential settings, the insects remain hidden during the day and emerge at night to feed, retreating to cracks and folds when disturbed. Their ability to survive several months without a blood meal enables persistence in vacant rooms or infrequently used spaces.
Control strategies rely on thorough inspection, mechanical removal, and targeted chemical or heat treatments. Regular monitoring of high‑risk zones, prompt laundering of bedding at high temperatures, and sealing of entry points reduce the likelihood of establishment.