Where Do Bed Bugs Lay Eggs?
WouterA bedbug’s life begins with an egg, which is as small as two grains of rice. During her lifetime, a female bedbug can lay as many as 500 eggs. These eggs are laid in tight cracks and crevices, and take about two weeks to hatch. The adult bedbugs must periodically feed to continue to lay eggs.
The temperature in which a bedbug breeds influences the length of time it takes to mature. Female bedbugs can reach maturity in less than a month if the temperature is around 70-80 degrees. In cooler temperatures and environments with less food, they take much longer to mature. During this time, they may remain dormant for several months, or they may even lay eggs after several months have passed. However, if the temperature is too high, the insects may die before they reach adulthood.
When a bedbug lays eggs, they will typically cluster in clusters. They will often stick to fabric or wooden surfaces. When fresh, bedbug eggs will appear transparent and shiny. The female bedbug secretes a sticky substance when she reproduces, which helps them stick to the surface. Bedbug eggs are difficult to find without the aid of a magnifying glass. Empty eggs will not be shiny, and will look flat.
Although female bedbugs are known for laying their eggs inside the bed, they will also lay their eggs on other parts of the room. These insects prefer to lay their eggs in protected areas and as close to their food source as possible. Even smaller cracks the size of a business card will provide excellent hiding places for bedbug eggs.
