Why Do Bed Bugs Need Blood to Lay Eggs?
WouterIf you want to know why bedbugs lay eggs, the answer is not so obvious. The females of the bedbug species have to be inseminated in order to produce eggs. Once fertilized, female bedbugs will lay one to seven eggs daily. Depending on the species, they may lay as many as 200 eggs during their lifetime.
Bedbugs are small insects that live and lay their eggs near the surface of the human body. Usually they are found near a bed, such as behind a headboard, inside the box spring, or in the seams of the mattress. They can also be found in clothing and furniture.
Although the name bedbug suggests that they feed primarily on human blood, they are actually opportunistic feeders and feed on humans and other warm-blooded animals. Adults may go for weeks or even months without feeding, so they need a blood meal regularly.
While bedbug bites are uncomfortable, some people may not even react to them. However, some people may experience a reaction after prolonged exposure. They may have an allergic reaction to the saliva transmitted during the bite. This may cause red, swollen, itchy bites. These bites usually occur in clusters.
Bedbugs are common in homes and apartments. They will hide in cracks near humans and feed when they come out. Their favorite hiding places include headboards and mattresses.
