How Many Bedbugs Does It Take to Infest a Building?

Researchers who studied infested areas to determine how many bedbugs does it take to infest a building found that just one fertilized female bedbug can produce enough offspring to cause an infestation. Bedbugs are small insects that tend to reside in the areas where people sleep and feed on human blood. They are not known to carry disease but can result in itching skin and allergic reactions. The bedbugs that were studied in infested apartment buildings were all so genetically similar that researchers believe that generations of offspring from one female continue to mate with one another. Bedbugs are not known to be affected by any mutations caused by inbreeding, making them likely to procreate at rapid paces. They also can live up to one year without feeding on blood and are resistant to insecticides, making them difficult to eradicate.

More about bedbug infestation:

• Bedbugs also feed on the blood of chickens and often infest poultry houses.


• Researchers believe there is evidence that bedbugs were present in ancient Egypt.


• Bedbugs can travel more than 8.2 feet (2.5 m) in a five-minute span.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bedbugs are needed to start an infestation in a building?

An infestation can begin with just a single fertilized female bedbug. She can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime, and with their rapid reproduction rate, a significant infestation can develop within a few months. Early detection is crucial to prevent a small number of bedbugs from becoming a larger problem.

How quickly can a bedbug infestation spread within a building?

Bedbug infestations can spread quickly due to their ability to hide and reproduce rapidly. A female bedbug can lay 1-5 eggs per day, potentially resulting in hundreds of offspring in her lifetime. Without intervention, an infestation can spread to adjacent rooms or units within weeks, making prompt and thorough treatment essential.

What are the signs of a bedbug infestation in a building?

Signs of a bedbug infestation include small, itchy bites on the skin, blood spots on bedding, dark or rusty spots of bedbug excrement on mattresses, bedding, or walls, and an offensive, musty odor from the bugs' scent glands. Spotting live bedbugs or their shed skins is a definitive indicator of an infestation.

Can bedbugs infest buildings other than homes, such as offices or hotels?

Yes, bedbugs can infest any type of building where people are present, including offices, hotels, schools, and public transportation. They hitch rides on clothing, luggage, and furniture, allowing them to spread to virtually any environment where they can find hosts to feed on.

What is the best way to prevent a bedbug infestation in a building?

Preventing a bedbug infestation involves regular inspections, maintaining cleanliness, reducing clutter, and being vigilant when traveling. Encasing mattresses and box springs, and using bedbug interceptors can also help. If you acquire second-hand furniture, inspect it thoroughly before bringing it into your building to avoid introducing bedbugs.

Are bedbugs known to transmit diseases to humans?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can cause allergic reactions, secondary skin infections, and psychological effects such as stress and insomnia. It's important to manage infestations promptly to minimize these health impacts.