Bedbugs are one of the most dreaded household pests. They are tiny, sneaky, and incredibly persistent, making them difficult to get rid of once they invade your home. If you suspect you have bedbugs, it's crucial to act fast before the infestation grows.
At Yikes Pest Control, we specialize in eliminating bedbugs for good. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these pests, from what they look like to how to tell if you have an infestation.
Do Bedbug Bites Itch?
Yes (Well, sometimes)! Bedbug bites are notorious for causing itchy, red welts on the skin. Some people experience mild to no irritation, while others develop severe allergic reactions. The itching can be intense and may worsen at night when bedbugs are most active.
Unlike mosquito bites, bedbug bites often appear in a cluster or straight line on exposed skin, such as the arms, neck, and legs. Scratching these bites can lead to infection, so it’s best to avoid irritating them further.
How Long Can Bedbugs Live Without Eating?
Bedbugs are surprisingly resilient. Adult bedbugs can survive for several months without a blood meal—sometimes up to a year in cool conditions! This ability makes them incredibly hard to eliminate, as they can hide in tiny cracks and crevices, waiting for their next meal.
Bedbug eggs and young nymphs, however, are more vulnerable. They need regular blood meals to grow and develop properly. This is why professional treatment is essential—just because you stop seeing bites doesn’t mean they’re gone!
Bedbug Bites vs. Flea Bites: What’s the Difference?
Both bedbug and flea bites can be itchy and red, but there are some key differences:
Feature | Bedbug Bites | Flea Bites |
Location | Upper body (arms, neck, face, back) | Lower body (legs, ankles, feet) |
Bite Pattern | Clusters or straight lines | Random or scattered |
Time of Day | Bite at night while sleeping | Bite anytime, especially when near pets |
Appearance | Flat or raised red welts | Small red bumps, sometimes with a dark center |
If you're unsure whether your bites are from bedbugs or fleas, it’s best to inspect your bedding, furniture, and pets for signs of these pests.
What Do Bedbugs Look Like?
Bedbugs are tiny, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in color. Adults are about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm long), with a flat body that swells and turns darker after feeding.
Bedbug eggs are even smaller—about 1mm in size—and appear pearly white. Newly hatched nymphs are nearly transparent, making them hard to spot.
These pests are wingless and cannot fly or jump, but they are skilled at crawling and hiding in cracks, crevices, and fabric folds.
How Long Does It Take for Bedbug Eggs to Hatch?
Bedbug eggs typically hatch in 6 to 10 days under normal conditions. Once hatched, the tiny nymphs immediately seek out a blood meal.
Because bedbugs reproduce quickly, an infestation can grow exponentially in just a few weeks. A single female bedbug can lay 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime, making early detection and treatment crucial.
How Do I Know If I Have Bedbugs?
Bedbugs are masters of hiding, so you may not see them right away. However, there are several signs to watch for:
✅ Bite Marks – Red, itchy welts in a line or cluster, especially after sleeping.✅ Blood Stains – Small red or rust-colored stains on sheets and pillowcases.✅ Dark Spots – Tiny black dots (bedbug droppings) on mattresses, walls, or furniture.✅ Shed Skins – Translucent shells left behind as bedbugs grow.✅ Musty Odor – A sweet, musty smell in heavily infested areas.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait! Bedbugs won’t go away on their own. Call Yikes Pest Control for a professional inspection and treatment.
Need Bedbug Help? Contact Yikes Pest Control!
Dealing with bedbugs is stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Yikes Pest Control, we offer effective, fast, and affordable bedbug treatments to eliminate infestations for good.
📞 Call us today or visit www.yikespest.com to schedule an inspection!
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