Why do khatmal come

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Khatmal, commonly known as bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), are parasitic insects that infest human dwellings primarily to feed on blood. They typically emerge at night, attracted by body heat and carbon dioxide, and can survive for months without feeding. Infestations often occur through travel, secondhand furniture, or proximity to infested areas, with global resurgence noted since the 1990s due to pesticide resistance and increased international movement.

Key Facts

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are wingless insects measuring 4-7 mm long
Females lay 1-5 eggs daily, totaling 200-500 eggs in a lifetime
Can survive 6-12 months without feeding in cool conditions
Global resurgence began in the 1990s with DDT resistance documented
Complete lifecycle from egg to adult takes about 5 weeks at room temperature

Overview

Khatmal, scientifically classified as Cimex lectularius, are small parasitic insects that have coexisted with humans for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows bed bugs were present in ancient Egypt around 1350 BCE, and they were common worldwide before declining in the mid-20th century due to DDT and other pesticides. The term "khatmal" originates from Persian and Urdu languages, reflecting their historical presence across South Asia and the Middle East. These insects experienced a dramatic global resurgence beginning in the 1990s, with reported infestations increasing by 500% in some regions by 2010. Today, they're found in all 50 U.S. states and most countries worldwide, affecting homes, hotels, hospitals, and public transportation. Their flat, oval-shaped bodies allow them to hide in mattress seams, furniture cracks, and electrical outlets, making detection and eradication challenging.

How It Works

Bed bugs locate hosts primarily through detection of carbon dioxide (from breathing) and body heat, typically emerging at night when humans are sleeping. They use specialized mouthparts called stylets to pierce skin and inject saliva containing anticoagulants and anesthetics, allowing them to feed for 3-10 minutes without detection. After feeding, they retreat to hiding places where they digest the blood meal and mate. Females require blood meals to produce eggs, laying them in secluded locations with a sticky substance that helps them adhere to surfaces. Development occurs through five nymphal stages, each requiring a blood meal to molt to the next stage. They can survive extreme temperatures from 46°F to 113°F (8°C to 45°C) and have developed resistance to many common pesticides, particularly pyrethroids, through genetic mutations that reduce pesticide effectiveness.

Why It Matters

Bed bug infestations have significant economic and public health impacts, costing the U.S. hospitality industry approximately $1,000 per room for treatment and lost revenue. They cause psychological distress, sleep deprivation, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, with studies showing 30-60% of people develop skin reactions to bites. While they're not proven to transmit human diseases, their presence reduces quality of life and can lead to social stigma. Effective management requires integrated approaches combining chemical treatments, heat treatments, vacuuming, and preventive measures like mattress encasements. Public awareness and early detection are crucial, as a single pregnant female can start an infestation that grows to hundreds within months.