The Bedbug

Common Bedbug

Fully matured adult bedbugs grow between 4-5 mm in length. These bedbugs are wingless and dark brown in colour. They have long legs and efficient tarsal claws for holding on to a host during feeding. Prominent antennae are found adjacent the eyes on the front of their head.

Biology

Female bedbugs have the ability to lay their eggs frequently throughout their lives, which is a unique feature in insects. The female common bedbugs generally produce around 2 or 3 eggs per day. Bedbugs can live for up to a few months and each female can produce anything up to 400-500 eggs in her lifetime. The common bedbug does not have specific areas in which to lay her eggs hence they can be found all around the home. The eggs are about 1mm in length and are white/yellow in colour. The nymphs emerge after approximately 10 days at room temperature (22'C - 25 ' C). The offspring are a smaller version of the adult and also feeds of the blood of vertebrae. Bedbugs have designated resting sites within their territory throughout their life. These resting sites ensure the survival of the bedbugs as they help to spread the microorganisms, which they need to survive.

Distribution

The common bedbugs has no preferred domain and are found worldwide.

Significance

The bedbug lives the whole of its life in contact with humans and feed at night while their human host sleeps. Without the ability to feed on blood they would die. The most common signs of bedbug infestations are irritable bites and secondary infection, which the bedbugs can carry. Humans are not the only source of food for the bedbug; they also feed on domestic animals.

Control

After a thorough inspection of the property has determined how deep the infestation lies, a residual insecticide should be used in places of warmth and shelter. Spray treatment is the preferred method of treatment for the common bedbug.