Bed bugs are small, blood-feeding insects that can infest human dwellings and cause various health problems. They are considered important pests because they are difficult to control, spread easily, and can reduce the quality of life of people who suffer from their bites. Bed bugs can also transmit pathogens and cause allergic reactions in some individuals leading to severe skin rashes and psychological distress (WHO).
Bed bugs reproduce by a process called traumatic insemination, which means that the male pierces the female's abdomen with his genitalia and injects sperm into her body cavity. This causes damage to the female's internal organs and reduces her lifespan. A female bed bug can mate with multiple males during her lifetime.
Bed bugs tend to feed on exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. However, they can also bite through thin clothing or sheets if they cannot access bare skin. Bed bug bites are often arranged in clusters or rows of three or more bites. The bites may appear as small red bumps or welts that itch or swell. Some people may have no reaction to bed bug bites, while others may develop allergic reactions or secondary infections.
Bed bugs are cryptic insects, which means they hide in dark and secluded places during the day and come out at night to feed. They prefer to stay close to their hosts' sleeping areas, such as mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, nightstands, couches, chairs, etc. They can also hide in cracks and crevices in walls or floors.
