A bed bug infestation can become a serious problem if the infestation is not detected in time. Then the bugs have multiplied so much that they become a real plague.
In a nutshell
- adult animals are visible to the naked eye
- During the day they live hidden and afraid of the sun, at night they suck blood
- Traces of droppings and dried-up skins reveal the hiding places
- have stinky glands, typical smell can be detected
- rarely found on humans or even animals
adult animals
Usually the bloodsuckers are so thin that they fit into every crack. Only when fully saturated does the body appear rounder. Body length also varies with food intake. It can be between almost 4 mm and 9 mm. Another characteristic of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) is their body hair and reddish-brown color. Compared to leaf bugs, the rear wings are missing and the front ones are not suitable for flying either. The bed bug is therefore forced to walk and cannot spread through the air.
Notice: The life expectancy is between 6 and 12 months, during which the animals often reproduce.
larvae
The larvae are similar to the adult animals, but depending on the stage they are much smaller and a little lighter in color. Until they are fully grown, they have to molt a total of 5 times. This can be recognized by the dried-up husks that can be found in the hideout of the bloodsuckers. At every stage of development, the larvae must suck blood in order to continue growing.
Other characteristics of young bed bugs that also have adult animals:
- Body shape oval and flat
- 3 pairs of legs
- no wings
- proboscis
Note: The freshly hatched bloodsuckers can hardly be seen with the naked eye and are still pale, almost transparent.
Source: CDC/Harvard University, Dr. Gary Alpert; dr Harold Harlan; Richard Pollack. Photo Credit: Piotr Naskrecki, Bed bug nymph, Cimex lectularius, edited by Plantopedia, CC0 1.0
eggs
Adult females lay between 1 and 10 eggs almost every day, sometimes more. Partly individually, but also in small groups. Most of them are in the hiding places that bugs go to during the day, i.e. in cracks and crevices. They can also stick openly to furniture or bedposts if the surface is rough. The eggs are whitish or cream in color. Depending on the temperature, the larvae hatch within 7 days.
frequently asked Questions
What other insects could be responsible for the stings?In addition to mosquitoes, fleas can also leave painful and itchy stings or bites, especially for pet owners. Ticks won't let go of their hosts after a bite, they suck themselves on. Otherwise there are insects that have stung or bitten outdoors and to which the body has only reacted belatedly. This is especially true for bites on the legs.
How to protect yourself from bed bugs in bed?Brightness is the best protection, but if you have to live with the bed bugs for the time being, leaving the lights on will help. The bed should then be cleared of the bugs as soon as possible. After that, double-sided tape or bean sheets around the bed will help.
Do bed bugs live on pets?No, they live neither on humans nor on animals, they only come to suck blood at night. It is therefore unlikely that pets will spread the insects further.
Which first measure helps best to reduce the population?If a hiding place is found, the first action should be to suck out or suck. This alone will get rid of many bed bugs. The vacuum cleaner bag is then packed airtight and disposed of in the rubbish bin. If necessary, it can be frozen beforehand.