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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe resurgence of bedbugs in developed countries may be linked to:
- Increased international travel
- Changes in pest control practices
- Insecticide resistance
A female bedbug can lay more than 200 eggs in her lifetime, which typically lasts for about 10 months. Newly hatched bedbugs are nearly colorless, so they are hard to spot. They shed their skin five times as they grow, and need a blood meal for each molt.
Where do they hide?
During the day, bedbugs hide in the cracks and crevices of:
- Mattresses
- Box springs
- Bed frames
- Headboards
They also can be found:
- Under peeling paint and loose wallpaper
- Under carpeting near baseboards
- In upholstered furniture seams
- Under light switch plates or electrical outlets
How do they spread?
Bedbugs don't usually stay on their human hosts after their meal, but they might take refuge in clothes or luggage left nearby on the floor. If you're traveling and bedbugs get into your luggage, you might bring them home with you.
While bedbugs may hitchhike on your belongings, they also can crawl about as fast as a ladybug. So they can easily travel between floors and rooms in hotels or apartment complexes.
Some varieties of bedbugs prefer to feed on birds or bats, so they may take up residence in your attics or eaves. If their preferred prey migrates south, these bedbugs will settle for feeding on the humans in the house.
Sign of uncleanliness?
Bedbugs don't care if their environment is clean or dirty. All they need is a warm host and plenty of hiding places. Even pristine homes and hotels can harbor bedbugs.
- Goddard J, et al. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and clinical consequences of their bites. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2009;13:1398.
- Potter ME. Bed bugs. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/entfactpdf/ef636.pdf. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- DDT ban takes effect. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/ddt/01.htm. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Elston DM, et al. Bedbugs. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Kells SA, et al. Prevention and control of bed bugs in residences: Information for homeowners and tenants. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/components/DK1022.pdf. Accessed Oct. 21, 2009.
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