Bed Bug Life Cycle

If you have ever had bed bugs you know the psychological game it plays on you. Even the thought of them causes so much anxiety it can lead to PTSD like symptoms and even impact your physical health. People have been known to show signs such as rashes at the thought of bed bug infestations. Understand the bed bug life cycle can help you ease some of the tension by knowing the difference in eggs, nymphs, and adult bed bugs. Regardless of the stage they are in, there is only one proven method to kill bed bugs and that is using heat.

Bed Bug Eggs

An adult bed bug can lay up to 5 eggs per day. These eggs normally hatch in around 10 days. Because they are so resilient, bed bug eggs hatch in a temperature range between 50 and 98 degrees. Making them a year round problem. Bed bug eggs are very small, around one millimeter in diameter. They have the appearance of a very plump sesame seed. When viewed under a magnifying glass they have two small red eyes dots where their eyes are developing.

Juvenile Bed Bugs

Bed bug nymphs look a lot like their eggs, only larger and with legs. They maintain the same white color. After they hatch, they immediately look for a food source. They need to eat right away so that they can retreat to molt off their exoskeleton. They will go through 5 molting stages before they reach adulthood and each molting stage can last from five to eight days. It will be around 40 days before they are an adult bed bug.

Adult Bed Bugs

Much larger than nymphs, adult bed bugs measure around five millimeters. They have a much darker color at this point. And they can begin reproducing at any time. Male bed bugs have a more V shaped abdomen while females have a more U shaped abdomen. After they have had a blood meal they are more round and plump while unfed bed bugs appear to be much flatter.

Killing Bed Bugs

Hiring a Kansas bed bug exterminator that uses specialized heat treatment equipment is the only way to kill 100% of bed bugs in your home or business. Call Kansas Bed Bugs today or send them a message to get started fixing your bed bug infestation today.

Kansas Bed Bugs, LLC. Preparation Checklist

Proper preparation is essential for an effective treatment. The hot air must be able to flow freely and penetrate all surfaces in your home. Clutter hinders this process which is why it is crucial to take the necessary steps in order for the treatment to be successful.

Remove:

All pets, birds, fish tanks, snakes, etc.
House Plants. If weather permits, place them outside
All candles, waxes, crayons, cosmetics, etc.
All aerosol products - hair spray, paint, room fresheners, etc.
ALL COMPRESSED GASSES!!
All trash. It must be emptied and taken out.
Medications. Take what you need with you and the rest can be stored in the refrigerator.
Photos, vinyl records, etc. that may be damaged by prolonged exposure to heat.
Fire arms and ammunition.

Clean and Sort:

All floors must be clean and vacuumed.
All clothes must be either hung up or folded neatly with no more than two loosely packed laundry baskets.
All plastic blinds must be all the way up. The heat can warp them and make them no longer usable.
All electronics must be turned OFF or unplugged.
All clutter must be removed from under beds and furniture. This is where they like to hide and must be clear for proper air circulation.
Dresser drawers must be loosely packed.

Store:

Medications. Take what you need with you and the rest can be stored in the refrigerator.
Food. Anything that might melt or spoil, such as chocolate, fresh fruit and vegetables, carbonated beverages, etc. can also be placed in the refrigerator.

This is a good starting point but please feel free to take any additional precautions to protect your personal belongings. Check manufacturer specifications for electronics to verify safe heat temperatures to prevent damage. Please keep in mind that Kansas Bed Bug technicians will be entering your closet and possibly need to open drawers in your home. If there are items you do not wish them to find, please make sure and remove them prior to treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Kansas Bed Bugs at 316-448-1187.

Bed Bug Life Cycle