Bed bugs are not a pest associated with unsanitary conditions and over the
last few years have become more commonplace in the U.K. They are a very
annoying pest as they feed by taking blood. Their bites have different degrees
of irritation depending on the person concerned.The female, in optimum conditions,
can lay 5 eggs per day. The bed bug emerges from the egg as a nymph only
1mm long and appear as adults except in size and colour,going darker brown
with age. Lifecyle and development are dependent on temperature and food availability.
The normal lifecycle of the bedbug is 9-18 months with the egg taking 10 to 20 days to
incubate. There are many variations in size due to the feeding patterns which will increase
the bug’s weight by up to 6 times. Before reaching full adult status the bug will go through
5 nymphal stages. Starved adults can survive up to 12 months without a meal. They will be
found normally within the bed or headboard but can be anywhere within 2 mtrs of the bed.
they are excellent climbers and are able to climb glass. An experienced pest operative
can often smell an infestation as it has the aroma of almonds.