How Long Do Bed Bugs Take to Show Up?
WouterBed bug infestations are often hard to spot for several weeks or months after the infestation has begun. This is largely due to the fact that bedbugs take about seven weeks to mature from egg to adult. This means that when you first see an infestation, there should be few new bugs around. However, if there are plenty of adult bugs around, it probably means that the infestation has lasted longer than seven weeks.
Generally, bedbugs will appear as tiny red-brown spots on fabrics, walls, and furniture. They also cause small, itchy bites on the skin. However, bedbug bites are not proof of an infestation. You should look for other signs of an infestation before determining if you have an infestation.
The best way to avoid an infestation is to use an insecticide that is not harmful to humans. However, insecticides don’t always kill bedbug eggs. They may take up to two weeks to hatch, so you should make sure to re-inspect your home after the first treatment. IPM, or integrated pest management, involves a team effort between the pest management professional (PMP) and the affected property occupant (or landlord). The occupant must be involved in all preparation, organization, and cleaning work.
Bedbug bites are very similar to those from fleas or mosquitoes, and they don’t always result in a noticeable rash. Some people don’t even feel the bite, while others experience a large, itchy welt that takes weeks to heal. Unlike mosquitoes, bedbug bites don’t usually appear in clusters or threes. You’ll often find just a single bite or a few small clumps of bites. Bedbugs bites are hard to spot unless you see one in person, so you need to make sure you’re not allergic to the bugs’ saliva.
