Interesting Bed Bug Information

Experts point out that, if necessary, bed bugs can get a blood meal from other bed bugs. While this may be a rare occurrence, it is possible, and it underscores the tenacity of this troublesome pest.

Generally speaking, bed bugs can survive cold temperatures very well but succumb to heat rather easily. Recent industry literature sights temperatures of as low as about 113 degrees Fahrenheit can be lethal to bed bugs.

Temperatures of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit kill all stages of bed bugs in about one minute. Industry references and publications indicate a variety of temperatures and duration times to achieve mortality. It is likely best to be conservative to assure you achieve the desired results.

Bed bug eggs are tiny. Eggs and first instar nymphs are only about one millimeter long, that’s only about 1/32nd of an inch.

Bed bug eggs are coated with a sticky substance. Once deposited by the female, the eggs become glued in place to hidden areas, which can make them difficult to find.

Once dried in place, bed bug eggs are difficult to remove without a scraping action.

While accessible bed bug eggs may be removed by careful vacuuming, it is unlikely that a significant amount of hidden bed bug eggs, if any, will be removed using a vacuum alone.

Bed bug eggs are shaped cylindrical and oval-like rounded at one end with a round flat hatch shape at the opposite end. The round flat end opens like a “round hatch top” when the immature bed bug emerges.

Bed bug eggs are a shiny, translucent, and a milky white color, as are the newly hatched bed bug nymphs.

Prior to taking their initial blood meal, immature bed bugs are translucent and may appear slightly yellowish in color.

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