Bed Bugs
By: Ashley Morgan
Where do bed bugs live?
These pest are found persistently in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. They are found in homes, apartments, hotels, dorms, shelters, schools, and public transportation.
How do bed bugs feed?
Bed bugs are nocturnal ectoparasites, they feed at night, and live off of the host. While humans sleep, bed bugs come out of their hiding spots and go to the sleeping victim. Using their mouth, they pierce their victim’s skin and inject them with saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anesthetics, making their bites painless, and making sure the blood keeps flowing. Causing painful, itchy rashes and bumps.
How does a bed bug reproduce?
Traumatic insemination. The male pierces the female abdomen and injects sperm through a wound in the abdominal cavity.
What is the host of choice for bed bugs?
Their host is usually a warm-blooded animal/human. They feed at night so they are unaware of the parasite biting them.
What is a special adaptation to deal with the host of a bed bug?
Bed bugs locate their host by carbon dioxide. They can sense warmth and moisture from their victim.
What is the size of an baby bed bug and an adult bed bug?
Baby bed bugs are about the size of the head of a pin. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (1/4 inch)
Other Interesting Facts
Bed Bugs