How Fast Do Bed Bugs Multiply? Answering Bed Bug Questions

Bed bug infestations should be addressed quickly with bed bug extermination services.

When most people hear the words “bed bugs,” they start to squirm a little and think, do I feel something crawling on me? And then the imaginary itching starts.

We won’t lie to you: There’s nothing pretty about bed bugs. But with the increased news coverage they’ve received of late in Phoenix, we thought we might shed a little light on why you should be worried, above and beyond the creepiness factor.

1. Are Bed Bugs Parasites?

An adult bed bug lives off the blood of its prey, much the way mosquitoes do. They come out mostly at night and get into beds, typically crawling onto legs and feet to bite and feed. Although most people are not allergic to them, their bites can leave red marks that itch and cause discomfort. For small children who live in a home with an infestation, they may lose significant blood, especially if they already suffer from anemia. Most bed bugs feed for 3–15 minutes every 3–4 days.

2. Do Bed Bugs Carry Diseases?

Just as mosquitoes are known to carry dangerous diseases from person to person when sucking blood from their hosts, bed bugs can also share those blood-borne diseases. According to a study at Purdue University, nearly 30 diseases have been found in them, including everything from viruses and bacteria to protozoa and parasitic worms. 

Thankfully, there have been no proven cases in which bed bugs have transferred diseases between hosts, so bed bug bites are much less dangerous than mosquito bites. Still, becoming a blood meal is not a pleasant experience.

3. How Fast Do Bed Bugs Multiply?

A well-fed bed bug can lay up to 500 bed bug eggs in her lifetime. While that fact alone is not dangerous to human health, it’s the fact that the bed bugs multiply — in large numbers — that makes getting rid of them that much more of a challenge. While most adult bed bugs don’t travel once they’ve set up residence, they certainly can attach themselves to luggage or clothing, and they can lay eggs in those locations as well, meaning bed bugs spread can happen quickly.

The squirm factor aside, they can cause health problems and are a big issue that should concern everyone.

4. How many bed bugs does it take to infest?

The number of bed bugs required to cause an infestation can vary depending on factors such as the size of the dwelling and availability of hosts. However, even a single fertilized female bed bug can potentially lead to an infestation over time, as they can lay hundreds of eggs during their lifespan. Bed bugs are known for their rapid reproduction, making early detection and treating bed bugs crucial to prevent bed bugs from spreading.

5. How long does it take for a bed bug infestation to appear?

The appearance of a bed bug infestation can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the initial infestation and the environmental conditions. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a bed bug infestation to become noticeable. However, it’s important to note that bed bugs are skilled at hiding, so early detection and professional intervention are crucial for effective eradication.

6. What happens if bed bugs go untreated?

Leaving bugs unattended will only worsen the problem since the bed bugs have no reason to move on and will not disappear completely. If bed bugs go untreated, their population can rapidly increase, leading to a more extensive infestation. Over time, this can result in severe psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort due to their bites.

Female bed bugs can spread to other areas of the home or infest neighboring units, making the eradication process more challenging and expensive.

Budget Brothers Handles Bed Bugs

Thankfully, when working with Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination, your problems will be a thing of the past in no time.

And if you’re concerned that you might have them (here are the top signs), perhaps an inspection is the way to go to ensure that your residence is safe.

Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination serves Phoenix with more than 25 year’s experience and we are happy to answer your questions, find bed bugs, and eliminate them.

Contact us today.