Size, Shape and Colour: The adult bed bug is 4-8mm in length, has a flat oval body which is covered with
very fine hairs. Has no wings as such only very small buds. Bugs have a prognathous head which consists of
compound eyes and a well developed antennae,with rostrum on its under side. Dark brown in colour,however
after a blood feed will change to a reddish-purple shade.
Biology: During copulation the males inject the spermatozoa into a special pouch on the under side of the
females body, from which they migrate to the ovaries via the body cavity. After sucking blood fertilized
females lay 1-15 eggs in their day time retreats. The eggs are pearly white, 0.8-1.3mm in length, laid and
secreted in hidden areas. If blood feeds are regularly available (every 3-4 days) they can go on laying for
almost 6 months. The eggs hatch into nymphs after approximately 10 days, then will moult 5 times to reach
adulthood, however a blood feed is essential before each moult. There is no larval stage to this insect which
makes its life cycle (incomplete). From egg to adult 9-18 weeks, this is much dependant on temperature and
food availability. In spring after low temperatures the females are infertile. If they have fed they can survive
for upto a year without feeding and at low temperatures.
Preferred Foods: Bed bugs feeding preferences are obviously blood, however will switch host and feed on the
blood of house pets, mice and humans.
Habitat: During the day they hide in cracks, floorboards, beds or behind pictures, behind loose wallpaper,
furniture, skirting boards. There is a vast number of areas where these insects retreat to. When disturbed,
or lights are switched on they will scuttle back to some of the aforementioned areas. They are very hard to
catch. The excreta marks look like a series of black marks often found on bedding and behind loose wallpaper,
to name just a few areas.
Bed bug excreta marks on bed frame Bed bugs around edge of mattress
Control Measures: Challenge Services can provide practical advice and comprehensive treatment for Bedbugs.
If you require any additional information or a quotation simply call us on the freephone number below.
CHALLENGE 24 HOUR PEST CONTROL SERVICES 0800 612 6965