Understanding Bed Bugs
& Their Species

Many people think a bed bug comes in only one variation. This is not right. There are actually different types of bed bugs, but are they all dangerous to your health? That is probably the most important question that we have to ask ourselves. Some people also wonder if the bed bugs we find in hotel rooms and public places are as harmful as the ones we see in our own households. To answer this question, we need to know more about the types and the way bed bugs are as living things as insects. First, let us start with how they grow and reproduce.

Life cycle

A female bed bug can lay about 2 to 5 eggs each day up to approximately 500 within her lifetime. The life cycle from newborn to adult generally takes less than a month. They can multiply very quickly.

A typical adult bed bug will live generally 6 to 8 months and can do so without feeding too often. In fact, they can actually live up to one full year without eating at all! As disturbing as it is, it is a very interesting fact about them. Although they are not feeding off you, it is disturbing to know that they are still alive in your place waiting to feed off you.

Basic features of a bed bug

If you see insects jumping and flying around your bed, fear not, they are not bed bugs. Bed bugs don’t jump or fly because they are actually wingless insects. But don’t underestimate them because they are capable of a lot despite this fact that they cannot fly. These filthy creatures are unique because they can climb onto almost anything you can think of.

Bed bugs are often flat and oval in shape. Beg bugs that are just born can be extremely small, but they can still be spotted with our naked eyes. An adult bed bug can grow up to a quarter inch. Depending on the type of the bed bug, the colors in which they come in vary. Some of the most common colors include white, light tan color, dark brown, burnt orange or maroon.

Bed bugs usually shed their skin at least four to five times before they turn into adults. You can tell they have just recently moulted or shed because their skin will appear to be white. You can also tell when they have just recently sucked your blood because there will be a dark red or black spot on their body.

What are the three most common types of bed bugs?

The most common are the Cimex Lectularius, but you can call them household bed bugs as it is easier to do so. The Cimex Hemipterus is generally found in tropical areas. This includes places like Florida or California. The Leptocimex Boueti is a bat bug. While bats are their favourite host, they will feed off of any warm blooded animal. These bat bedbugs are generally found in West Africa or South America.

Health problems

When bed bugs suck on your blood and feed off you, they first inject your skin with their saliva. This is a very smart move because their saliva contains anti-coagulants which will prevent your blood from clotting up. This is how they are able to drink your blood for a while. Their saliva also contains anaesthetic to keep you away from the pain of the bite so that they can go on drinking your blood for minutes without you realising. They can go up to feeding on you for 10 minutes without you realising, which is really scary!

The good news is that they are not known to spread disease. However, their bites can cause itchy, red welts. You will likely find these bites on your upper body, arms, shoulders, and neck. However, you may also see them around your ankles. While they do not carry disease, their bites can cause some issues for you. Bites can result in itchy, red welts, which can also cause a slight burning sensation to the affected person. There have been certain occasions when the swelling develops into blisters and cause skin inflammation that usually results in a rash.

But remember, do not itch! This is especially true if the bites turn into a rash. Itching can cause the area to become infected, which can be dangerous. Call your doctor if you suspect an infection.

Bed bugs can also be like dust mites sometimes and cause you allergic reactions. This might not be as bad as getting severe asthma attacks or allergic rhinitis. However, young children, elderly or pets might get allergic reactions quite often with the bed bug bites. They can develop minor wheezes or basically wheals on their skin due to the bites from bed bugs. These can be annoying and can be confusing as well because it can be mixed up with other health conditions.