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Understanding the Stages to Stop the Spread Early
For many homeowners in Pennsylvania, bed bugs are an invisible threat—until they’re not. The key to protecting your home (and your sleep) is understanding how quickly these pests can grow from an unnoticed nuisance to a full-blown infestation.
At Ned’s Pest Control, we believe the best defense is good information. Here’s what every homeowner should know about the bed bug life cycle—and when to take action.
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Stage 1: The Egg
Bed bug eggs are tiny—about the size of a grain of salt—and often laid in hidden cracks, seams, or behind headboards.
- One female can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime
- Eggs hatch in 6 to 10 days under normal indoor conditions
- They’re sticky and hard to detect without a close inspection
Stage 2: Nymph (Immature Bed Bug)
Once hatched, bed bugs go through five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to grow.
- Nymphs are translucent and hard to spot
- After each feeding, they molt and darken in color
- This stage can last several weeks, depending on warmth and food availability
Stage 3: Adult Bed Bug
Fully grown bed bugs are about ¼ inch long, reddish-brown, and flat—unless they’ve just fed.
- Adults feed every 5–10 days if a host is nearby
- They can live for 4–6 months or longer in cool conditions
- They’re nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day
The Cycle Repeats—Fast
Under the right conditions, a single female and her offspring can result in thousands of bed bugs within a few months. That’s why early detection is critical.
What to Watch For
- Itchy bites, often in a line or cluster
- Dark specks on sheets or mattress seams
- Shed skins or tiny white eggs in crevices
- A musty or sweet odor in bedrooms
What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation
Bed bugs won’t go away with DIY sprays. Professional treatment is the most effective way to eliminate them at every life stage. At Ned’s Pest Control, we build personalized treatment plans designed for your home—and follow through until the issue is solved.
Call Ned’s Pest Control today at (888) 832-1908 to book your bed bug inspection.
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