How Long Does It Take for a Bed Bug Infestation to Develop?
Bed bug infestations develop very slowly. To begin with, there will be only a few bed bugs, that will feed intermittently on the host and often go unnoticed. Bites are frequently overlooked or blamed on some other species such as spiders. Secretive adults are not noticed as they begin to feed on sleeping hosts. However, in time, the evidence does build up.
Bed bugs are gregarious and frequently found living side by side in harborage sites. There are a significant number of nymphs and adults found together. As these sites begin to become more active, females will start to migrate to areas to lay eggs. Male bed bugs want to consummate constantly with females, thus driving them away. This behavior is what is thought to make bed bugs “spread out” into new living areas.
Large populations will start to infiltrate more and more of the hiding spaces close to the host and will be forced to seek shelter farther away from their feeding ground. All the while the bed bugs are excreting poop. Bed bug feces is partially digested by human blood. Fecal spots are created as the bed bugs move around and accumulate in and around their nesting sites. Fecal spots are often clustered and will have a small “smear” at one side, this indicates what direction the bed bugs travel in.
In heavy infestations there is often a discernable, almost sweet odor, this is due to large amounts of feces and secretions. As bed bugs molt during their growth process, their smaller older skins are shed, and larger skin forms. These are left where they fall and will also accumulate over time. In heavy infestations, there will be a considerable amount of cast skins.
For information about the services and products Integrity Pest Solutions has to offer, please do not hesitate to dial (614) 756-3119 now. We are based in the Columbus, OH area.