Bed bugs are troublesome pests that belong to the insect family Cimicidae, which is a category containing creatures that consume only blood. The most common species of bed bugs found today (Cimex lectularius) are wingless and appear in shades of dark red or brown, with an oval body that measures up to ¼ of an inch long, six legs, and antennae. Female bed bugs can lay several eggs each day, which sometimes look like a grain of white rice.
How long does it take for bed bugs to hatch? Female bed bugs often position their eggs in small voids or crevices, which hatch in only a week or two. A single female might generate hundreds of eggs in her lifetime.
Before reaching adulthood, bed bugs progress through a nymph phase where the young bug will consume a blood meal and begin shedding skin or exoskeleton. Adult bed bugs have somewhat unpredictable feeding schedules but usually eat weekly when opportunities exist.
Are you experiencing bed bug problems? These are very resilient pests that often require treatment performed by a professional. A properly equipped Worcester pest control professional knows how to search for bed bugs and the best means of eliminating them.
How Bed Bugs Travel In Worcester
Bed bugs usually enter homes as hitchhikers within purses, suitcases, or other belongings. Once indoors, bed bugs use their legs for crawling.
How fast do bed bugs move? A Cornell University explained that bed bugs move at a speed that is roughly the same as ants. Multiple sources estimate that bed bugs crawl at a rate of four to five feet per minute.
Can bed bugs live outside? Bed bugs are predominately indoor pests that live near humans. Although bed bugs in Worcester can survive in cold or hot conditions, they are slow-moving creatures that cannot jump or fly and lack any true means of defending themselves against ants, cockroaches, spiders, and other predators.
How And Why Bed Bug Infestations Get Worse With Time
Somewhat minor bed bug intrusions often worsen quickly when they remain undetected. Bed bugs usually remain hidden during the day and emerge only under cover of darkness when home occupants are sound asleep. In the meanwhile, young nymphs hatch from eggs and soon begin pursuing a blood meal.
How long do bed bugs live? Depending on environmental conditions and access to food sources, adult bed bugs live for a period ranging from several months to one year.
All The Ways Bed Bugs Sneak Their Way Into Our Homes
There is a misconception that people most likely find bed bugs in homes with cluttered or unkempt conditions. Instead, bed bugs typically enter a home as follows:
- Bed bugs commonly exist in hotel rooms where they climb into the belongings of unsuspecting guests and return home with them.
- Mass-transit hubs such as airports or multi-passenger vehicles such as buses or trains are potential hot spots for bed bugs.
- Bed bugs may navigate their way into adjacent units within multi-family homes or apartment buildings using their small size.
Those returning from overnight stays must remember to closely inspect their belonging for any evidence of bed bugs before reentering their home.
What's The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?
How hard is it to get rid of bed bugs? As an elusive and resilient pest with a strong breeding capacity, bed bug infestations are difficult to eliminate completely. Many of the do-it-yourself store-bought products are ineffective against developing bed bug eggs and create only short-term results.
The experts with Big Blue Bug Solutions will safely oust bed bugs from homes throughout Worcester. Contact the office today regarding an onsite property inspection.