While millions of individuals throughout the United States are well aware of the pain, frustration, and aggravation bed bugs can cause, few understand the biology of these ancient creatures. As an affliction as old as recorded history, bed bug infestations can find their way into even the most affluent homes and establishments. To truly understand these persistent parasites, it's essential to grasp their life cycle fully. By grasping the biology of bed bugs, you'll have a greater understanding of these creatures and a better knowledge of how to eradicate these insects effectively.
 

Bed Bug Appearance | Identifying the Creatures

Measuring anywhere from 5 to 7 millimeters in length, which is roughly the same size as a typical apple seed. Many bed bug sufferers identify the source of their bites and itch by the scattered appearance of seed-sized insects within their beds or furniture. Before delving into the life cycle of bed bugs, let's take a moment to comprehend their physical characteristics fully. Knowing what these insects look like makes identifying an unknown infestation easier. You'll likely notice adult bed bugs before identifying their younger offspring, which are referred to as nymphs.  

An adult bed bug is generally identified as:

• If the bugs haven't recently fed, their bodies will be flat and carry an oval shape. These insects are generally longer than they are wide; if they aren't fed, they will be brownish.

• If the bed bugs have recently fed, their body shape will feature a more balloon-like appearance that's slightly more elongated than usual. Its color will change from brown to red as it's filled with your blood.

• The appearance of a genuine bed bug is easily identified as it features three distinct "segments," including a four-part antenna, unusable wings, and short hairs with a slight golden color.

• An adult bed bug generally features a specific odor, commonly described as a "musty-sweetish" smell, due to a chemical released from its glands located on the lower portions of its body.

• After a bed bug has eaten, it deposits spots of fecal matter throughout its resting areas, such as along mattress seams or in the corners of rooms.

Young bed bugs, or nymphs, are characterized by:

• Young bed bugs are typically 1.6 millimeters long, much smaller than adult bed bugs.

• Unlike their adult form, nymphs are colorless/transparent; however, when these tiny creatures have fed, their color will change to a reddish hue.

• As nymphs grow into their adult form, they shed their outer shells. Because of this, those suffering from an infestation will likely uncover empty shells throughout the most highly infested portions of their home, such as in bedrooms and living rooms.

Bed Bug Life Cycle | An Overview of a Bed Bug Life

Before delving into the specific life cycle of a bed bug, it's essential to understand the basics of these creatures. Bed bugs are primarily active at night when they come out of their nesting areas to feed upon mammals' blood, specifically human blood. After mating, female bed bugs can lay anywhere from 200 to 500 eggs throughout their lifetime. These eggs, measuring 1/16th of an itch, are typically found in creases and crevices of furniture; their eggs generally hatch after 10 days.

Once the eggs hatch, the newly formed nymphs actively seek a blood meal. Upon regular feedings, immature nymphs will go through five molting phases to shed their exoskeleton before adulthood. Before a nymph can molt, it must feed at least once before each growth phase. Unfortunately, nymphs can live for several months without a blood meal. Moreover, adult bed bugs can live up to one year without a blood meal. Under typical scenarios, with regular feedings, adult bed bugs can live up to 11 months.

The Life Cycle of a Bed Bug | Lifespan at a Glance

The following six cycles are the basic breakdown of an average bed bug lifespan. Although several variables can affect this cycle, the majority of bed bugs will experience the following:

• Initial Cycle | Eggs - a bed bug egg will measure roughly 1 millimeter in length and hatch after 10 days.

• 1st Stage Nymph | Immediately upon hatching, newly hatched bed bugs will measure 1.5 millimeters. To progress to the following stage, it must feed on blood.

• 2nd Stage Nymph | After molting, the nymph will measure an average of 2 millimeters in length.

• 3rd Stage Nymph | Undergoing another molting phase, the nymph will slightly grow to 2.5 millimeters.

• 4th Stage Nymph | During this fourth phase, the nymph grows to 3 millimeters.

• 5th Stage Nymph | This is the final phase of the nymph life cycle; the average bed bug will grow to 4.5 millimeters.

• Adult Phase | After one final molting phase, the nymph turns into an adult measuring anywhere from 5 to 7 millimeters. An adult bed bug can live up to 11 months with regular feedings.

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