Can Bed Bugs Have 8 Legs?
WouterBed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Female bedbugs can lay hundreds of eggs over their lifetime. These bugs are not able to fly and are flat and brown in color. The eggs are deposited on surfaces and are sticky when they first hatch. They shed their skin five times before they reach maturity. They can produce up to three generations per year if conditions are favorable.
The first step to eliminating bed bugs is to examine the area they have infested. You should empty nightstands and dressers, as bedbugs love to hide in crevices. You should also inspect woodwork underneath these items. Look for cracks, crevices, and voids, which are good places for these bugs to hide. Other common hiding places include the edge of wall-to-wall carpeting, cracks in wood molding, ceiling-wall junctures, loose wallpaper, and clothing stored in closets. Lastly, you should inspect the contents of your bookcases and drawers, as bedbugs can hide in book bindings, too.
While bedbugs may look like tiny insects, they are often able to survive for months without feeding. They can survive in cool environments, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, where they can remain active for up to four months without a blood meal. They may disperse to neighboring units and reduce their activity level until a new occupant moves in.
