What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs. They are reddish brown, as small as an apple seed and flat as a ruler. They are drawn to the carbon dioxide that you exhale, even more so for something within: your blood. Bed bugs easily stay hidden during the day and come out at night to prey. When you are fast asleep, that’s when they strike! They are not known to spread any diseases, however, bed bug infestation can lead to anxiety, sleeplessness and even secondary skin infection from all your scratching.

In 2018 alone, we received 27% more enquiries for bed bugs at home to date when compared to last year, much thanks to the growing tourism industry. Known as “hitchhikers” to humans, they can be transported from things such as luggage to second-hand furniture as they can’t fly, jump or hop.

What makes bed bugs so scary? Let’s find out!

Nightmare Since They Are Hatched

A bed bug's life cycle takes around 40 days from eggs to adulthood. Let's break it down stage by stage:

1) Eggs

Bed bug eggs are oval in shape and often resembles a grain of rice and because they are so tiny, they are practically invisible to the untrained eyes. They usually hatch within a week, however, if conditions such as shelter and temperature are favourable, they can hatch as short as 6 days.

2) Bed bug nymph

There are five stages for a bed bug nymph before it reaches adulthood. At each stage, they will moult and shed their exoskeleton. Ever wonder why? In order for them to develop into the next instar, nymphs need blood meals. This means they are already a threat to be reckoned with by now!

3) Bed bug adult

It usually takes around three weeks for a nymph to grow into an adult. This may seem long but if you’re unaware of them, days can pass by without you noticing it. Did you know that female bed bugs can lay at least 3 eggs a day after a blood meal, up to 500 eggs in its lifetime? You certainly wouldn't want this to happen to you.

Early detection is your best defence

While it may be easier to take care of things yourself, but when it comes to bed bugs it is best to leave it to the professionals as soon as you spot any signs of them.

Rentokil Bed Bug Management Programme consists of 3 treatments that not only eliminates the existing adult bed bugs but also targets nymphs that might hatch during that time. That way, we can greatly reduce the risk of re-infestation.

If you suspect or worried about bed bugs, call us today at 1300 881 911 or contact us online to schedule a comprehensive site inspection now!