Identification
Reddish-brown, oval and about 4-5mm long, 1.5-3mm wide.
Eggs are white, oval, 1mm long and covered in a sticky film.
A newly hatched nymph is almost colourless.
About Bed Bugs
They feed on humans and warm blooded animals.
Cracks or matresses are their preferred hiding place during the day. They feed at night.
They inject saliva as they feed, the allergic reaction to this causing swelling, burning and itching (Often delayed).
Breeding
Each female lays between 200-500 eggs and hatch in 6 to 17 days.
Adults can survive between 2 months to 1 year without feeding.
Control Methods
Ensure all areas are inspected and the presence of bed bugs is located.
USe a "crack and crevice" treatment to known or potential hiding places.
Use broad band residual insecticide through a coarse sprayer for the rest of the room. |