Everyone knows that bedbugs are small blood-sucking parasites that enter dwellings in various ways. Getting rid of them is quite problematic, as they breed at an astonishing rate. Moreover, it is necessary to destroy not only adults, but also eggs and larvae of bugs.
Features of appearance and physiology
Nymphs of these parasites appear no later than thirty days after the laying of eggs. This period depends on many external factors and, under favorable conditions, is reduced to four days. Interestingly, the larvae of domestic bugs also feed on human blood.
Externally, nymphs are very similar to adult insects. They can be distinguished only by lighter color and smaller size. Nymphs have an elongated and slightly flattened body. Usually their sizes do not exceed four and a half millimeters.
But physiologically, the bugs and their larvae are very different from each other. The latter cannot multiply, need frequent meals, are highly dependent on the temperature of the surrounding air, move slowly and little.
What is the difference between a bed bug larva and other insects?
To establish the species affiliation of a parasite, it is not necessary to be a professional entomologist. To do this, just know the basic characteristics of the nymph bug. For example, they are distinguished from young cockroaches by the fact that they are more mobile and agile. In addition, their body is painted in a lighter shade, and there are no white spots on their cephalothorax.
Unlike the larvae of ants, the nymph of the bug does not have a well-defined narrowing separating the abdomen from the cephalothorax. They can be confused with fleas only at the very early stages of development.
The appearance of nymphs
Having figured out what the larvae of bed bugs look like and how they differ from other domestic parasites, we need to say a few words about how they develop. At first, the female, saturated with blood, lays eggs. At the same time, she uses a specific secret that sticks them to the socket and to each other. This process takes about five days.
The dimensions of its masonry depend on the season, temperature and weather conditions. Under favorable conditions, one individual can lay up to twelve eggs. Moreover, their number is affected by age, body weight and degree of satiety of the female. Five days later, the larvae of bugs appear. In appearance they look like plastic vessels. Freshly hatched young animals are immediately ready for blood supply.
Developmental stages
Under favorable conditions, it will take four to six weeks to transform a newly hatched individual into an adult insect. This process consists of five steps. Moreover, on each of them, the body of a young parasite increases in size by half a millimeter. If the larva at the first stage of development has a length of just over one millimeter, then at the end it reaches almost half a centimeter.
A grown nymph has to say goodbye to her carapace, because it is not capable of stretching. This is the main reason for molting. After each shell change, the body of the insect becomes darker. Interestingly, all transformations occur after the larva is fed with the next portion of blood.
Where are the nymphs of bugs hiding?
It should be noted that identifying them is quite problematic. This is because they eat in the early morning hours, when people are still sleeping. In the saliva of the bug larva there is no analgesic secretion, therefore its bite is always accompanied by severe itching and pain.
By analogy with adult insects, nymphs settle in various secluded corners of the apartment. They try to choose places with the most favorable temperature conditions. Therefore, most often they can be found in mattresses and sofas.
Features of the larva shell
The invulnerability of bedbug eggs is explained by the fact that they are hidden under strong protection. Their shell is resistant to the effects of potent chemicals. No fluid seeps through its walls.
In addition, the surface of the eggs is immune to sharp temperature fluctuations and mechanical damage. If you try to break them with something heavy, then your attempts will not succeed.
The main difficulties encountered in the destruction of nymphs
As mentioned above, the larvae of the bugs resemble rice grains of a slightly curved shape. If you look closely, then on one side you can see a small dark spot. It is in this place that the exit for the matured individual is located.
Destroying the nymphs of the bug is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Especially if they were not identified immediately and have already managed to settle down in a new place. If adult parasites can be exterminated with potent chemicals, then the larvae are so well protected by a strong shell that their destruction turns into a real problem. They calmly withstand the effects of poisons and continue to develop in a temporary shelter.
So that the destruction of the larvae of the bugs does not turn into an endless occupation, you need to ensure that all nymphs and adults are exterminated. Otherwise, all your actions will become meaningless. As young females will constantly lay eggs, from which new parasites will appear.
How to get rid of bug larvae?
It should be understood that in this case it is impossible to apply the methods used to combat adult parasites. All of them are ineffective and act only for a short time period.
To destroy the larvae, you can use pesticides such as dichlorvos, karbofos and pyrethroids. However, when working with these substances, it is important to follow all the rules and ensure the safety of residents.
Also, a good solution can be the use of insecticides that sterilize insects. However, such funds are practically not found in the free market. As a rule, drugs, which include such components, are available only to professionals.
Near the nests of bedbugs, you can scatter powder products that kill these insects. Then the hatching larvae will immediately fall onto the deadly "clearing". However, when choosing such drugs, it should be remembered that most of them are unsafe for humans and pets.
How to avoid the appearance of parasites?
To protect your home from blood-sucking insects, you need to refuse to visit places of potential clusters of bugs. These include cheap hotels and homes with unsanitary conditions. Also, do not invite people who may have parasites in their apartments. Since even one or two individuals accidentally falling into your apartment will quickly become the ancestors of the whole population.
Experts recommend not to neglect the systematic wet cleaning of your home and checking the condition of beds, sofas and other sleeping places for signs of bugs. You should also regularly wash your bedding. And you need to do this exclusively in hot water.
To scare away blood-sucking insects and prevent their migration from neighbors, it is recommended to keep birch brooms and bouquets of dried tansy in the house.