How Fast Bed Bugs Grow
WouterTo understand how fast bed bugs grow, it’s important to understand how they reproduce. These insects need a constant source of blood to grow and mature. During their development, they will go through five molts. Once they reach maturity, they can produce multiple generations per year. As nymphs, bed bugs grow from 1.5mm to 4.5mm, morphing from clear/white to yellow/tan and finally reddish-brown, the color of the adult.
In warmer temperatures, bedbugs can go up to two months without a blood meal. However, in colder climates, their metabolisms slow down. While bedbugs are nocturnal, they will feed at night and will stay in the same place for several days to digest their blood meal. After they have fed, they will lay eggs.
While bed bugs do not grow as fast as houseflies or carpet flies, they can spread to a wide area. Bed bugs can hide on furniture, used items, clothing, linens, luggage, and other objects. These insects can also travel through walls and doorframes. They can even get into windows and floors to move from one area to another.
Adult bed bugs are about one-quarter inch long. They live in colonies and use up available hiding areas near their feeding sites. In addition to feeding on the host, bed bugs also produce feces. Fecal smears are left behind by these insects, and often contain a small smear on one side. It’s important to notice any fecal stains because these can indicate where bed bugs have been.
