Bed bug life cycle: from egg to adult

Phoenix has seen many bed bug infestations in the area. Bed bugs can be found in any public place, including schools, libraries, offices, restaurants, and more. Combined with the incredibly fast bed bug life cycle and reproductive rate, these blood-sucking creatures can quickly become a huge problem.

Understanding the bed bug life cycle, from egg to adult, can help you know what to look for when you’re checking for an infestation. If you find multiple generations, it may indicate that the bugs have been living with you for quite some time. The sooner you discover the problem, the sooner you can schedule treatment at your residential or commercial property.

A Bug’s Beginning

Bed bugs begin their lives as eggs. One female can lay between one and five eggs a day, up to 500 in their lifetime! The eggs are about the size of a grain of salt. Crevices and cracks protect the eggs and make it difficult to spot them. After about 6-14 days, the eggs will hatch, producing nymphs that can begin to feed immediately.

A Nymph is Born

The next stage in the bed bug life cycle happens once the eggs hatch, producing what are known as nymphs. These young hatchlings will go through five stages of growth. During each stage, the nymph will need to eat (blood) before it sheds its exoskeleton and continues to develop.

Young bed bugs typically molt every seven to ten days, reaching adulthood in just over a month. Considering there can be up to five or more nymphs born each day per adult female bed bug, it’s easy to see how quickly an infestation can get completely out of hand without the help of a reliable professional.

All Grown Up

Adult bed bugs are the size of an apple seed, measuring about 1/4 inch long. During the adult stage of the bed bug life cycle, these creatures will have a flat, oval-shaped appearance with a brown color. If they have recently fed, they will be slightly puffy.

An adult bed bug will typically live for about four to six months in comfortable conditions. During this time, the focus is on eating and reproducing. This makes early detection and elimination essential.

Treating the Problem

Whether you found bed bugs in your home or business, handling the problem quickly is key. Since they are skilled at avoiding detection, experienced professionals are necessary to evaluate the severity of the infestation and eliminate the pests for good.

At Budget Brothers, we use electronic detectors and heat treatment to effectively handle your situation. Our certified technicians know precisely what to look for and where to look. They will set you up with a comprehensive bed bug treatment that will eliminate your unwanted guests as quickly as possible.

If you suspect your home may be under siege, contact the professionals at Budget Brothers Termite & Pest to begin addressing the issue and rid your home of bed bugs.