Who or what is a bedbug? - briefly
The bed bug, scientifically known as «Cimex lectularius», is a small, wingless, nocturnal insect that feeds on the blood of humans and other warm‑blooded hosts. It hides in cracks and seams of furniture, emerging at night to bite and often causing skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Who or what is a bedbug? - in detail
The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is a small, wingless hemipteran that feeds exclusively on the blood of warm‑blooded animals. Adult specimens measure 4–5 mm in length, possess a flattened, oval body, and display a reddish‑brown coloration that darkens after feeding.
Morphology includes a beak‑like proboscis used to pierce skin, six legs adapted for rapid crawling, and antennae equipped with sensory receptors. The insect’s exoskeleton is composed of chitin, providing protection and enabling desiccation resistance.
Life cycle proceeds through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay 1–5 eggs per day, attaching them to crevices near host resting sites. Eggs hatch in 6–10 days, releasing first‑instar nymphs that lack fully developed wings and must undergo five molts before reaching maturity. Each molt requires a blood meal; development from egg to adult typically spans 4–6 weeks under optimal temperature and humidity.
Behavioral traits include nocturnal activity, attraction to body heat and carbon‑dioxide, and a tendency to hide in seams of mattresses, box springs, furniture, and wall voids. Bed bugs can survive several months without feeding, allowing persistence in low‑occupancy environments.
Health implications involve painless bites that may cause localized erythema, itching, and, in some individuals, allergic reactions. While they are not known to transmit pathogens, secondary infections can arise from excessive scratching.
Geographic distribution is worldwide, facilitated by human travel and the international trade of second‑hand furniture. Populations have resurged in recent decades due to increased resistance to common insecticides.
Control strategies comprise:
- Integrated pest management combining chemical, mechanical, and environmental methods.
- Heat treatment raising ambient temperature to > 50 °C for a minimum of 30 minutes to achieve mortality.
- Cryogenic treatment using liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to freeze infestations.
- Vacuuming and steam cleaning of infested items, followed by sealing in airtight containers for at least 30 days.
- Monitoring with passive interception devices placed under bed legs to detect activity.
Effective eradication requires thorough inspection, repeated treatments, and coordination among occupants to prevent reintroduction.