A Homeowner’s Guide to the Bed Bug Cycle

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are typically active at night, and they often hide in mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture. Bed bugs are a serious problem because they can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes, and they can also spread diseases. If you think you may have bed bugs, it’s important to call a professional to get rid of them. In this article, we’ll dive into how bed bugs grow, what stages they go through in their lives, and how you get bed bug free with A1 Exterminators.

In this blog you’ll learn:

  • Where bed bugs live
  • How to check for bed bugs
  • What the complete bed bug cycle consists of
  • All about bed bug control

Where Do Bed Bugs Live in Your Home? 

Bed bugs are most often found in close proximity to where people sleep. This includes mattresses, bed frames, headboards, bedside tables, and any other furniture in the bedroom. However, they can also be found in other areas of the home, such as in couches, chairs, behind baseboards, and in electrical outlets. Bed bugs are also often found in hotels, motels, and other types of lodging.

How To Check For Bed Bugs in Your Home

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Checking for bed bugs is actually pretty simple. The first step is to identify the areas where you think bed bugs might be hiding. These are typically in areas where people sleep, such as beds, couches, and chairs. Once you’ve identified these areas, you’ll want to look for any signs of bed bugs. These can include small blood stains on sheets or furniture, small dark spots (this could be bed bug poop), or small white eggs. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to call a professional to help get rid of the problem.

The Bed Bug Life Cycle 

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The bed bug lifecycle starts when a female bed bug lays eggs. A female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs are small and white, and they hatch in about 10 days. After hatching, the bed bugs go through 5 molts, or stages of development, before they become adults. The first 4 stages last about 5 days each, and the final stage lasts about 10 days. Bed bugs reach sexual maturity after the final molt, and they can live for up to 12 months.

 

If you need a quick stage recap, here you go:

  • Eggs (1mm).
  • 1st stage nymph (1.5 mm).
  • 2nd stage nymph (2 mm).
  • 3rd stage nymph (2.5 mm).
  • 4th stage nymph (3 mm).
  • 5th stage nymph (4.5 mm).
  • Unfed adult female.
  • Unfed adult male.

Remember:

Bed bug eggs hatch in: 6-10 days

Each nymph stage usually lasts: about a week

Annoyances from bed bugs? They seem to last a lifetime if your home goes untreated.

If you’re interested in learning more about bed bug control, visit our website.

Bed Bug Control With A1 Exterminators 

Bed Bug Treatment options may vary. Bed bugs can be challenging pests to control. Early detection is key for successful bed bug control and prevention of a major infestation. Professional exterminator intervention is a must to control the problem. Bed bugs are small, cryptic and agile. They prefer to hide close to where they feed, if necessary, they will crawl several feet to obtain a meal.

Initial infestations tend to be around beds, but the bugs eventually may become scattered throughout the bedroom, occupying any crevice or protected location. Bed bugs are hitchhikers they don’t necessarily need a bedroom to find a meal. They have been found in in schools, movie theaters, college dorms, nursing homes and even hospitals.

  1. Consultation & Inspection: Visual inspection by trained A1 professional or K-9 scent detection.
  2. Education: What you need to know about bed bugs and what you can do to prevent additional problems.
  3. Preparation: What you can do before we arrive to make treatment successful.
  4. Heat Treatment: By our powerful computer monitored 450,000 BTU Heatwave system. Our expert inspectors will advise you if heat treatment is necessary; not all instances require heat treatment to eradicate bed bugs.
  5. Insecticide Treatment: Insecticide Treatment with long lasting residual insecticides for long lasting results.
  6. Gas Fumigation: Gas Fumigation of all your furniture and belongings in sealed containers or treatment of your entire home by our specially trained and licensed fumigation team is 100% effective.
  7. K-9 Verification: K-9 inspection and verification of the elimination of bed bugs.
  8. Follow Up A1 Visits: As part of an on-going program to detect and eliminate new infestations.

Bed Bug Exterminator for Massachusetts, Cape Cod & New Hampshire

 

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