What Does a Bed Bug Look Like?
As one of the most commonly encountered pests, bed bugs have become a household name. Yet, not everyone knows what they actually look like, or how to spot them if living in your home. Bed bugs can be notoriously difficult to identify, especially if they’re in their immature or adult stages. If you’ve ever wondered what a bed bug looks like, this article will provide a closer look and help you identify them.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Before discussing what bed bugs look like, it’s important to recognize a few tell-tale signs of an infestation. As the name suggests, bed bugs are commonly found in bedding and mattress seams, furniture, and upholstery. Some indication that you may have bed bugs include dark, rust-colored stains from fecal matter left on bedding, eggs, eggshells, and shed bug skins. You may also notice a musty, sweet-smelling odor similar to potpourri.
Immature Bed Bugs
Immature bed bugs, or “nymphs,” undergo 5 molts before reaching maturity. During each molt, they become a little bigger and grow wings. Since they haven’t reached their adult stage, they don’t have wings and aren’t capable of flight. Immature bed bugs are generally easier to spot because of their smaller size. Newly hatched bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed, having a white or light tan color, and their body is flat and oval-shaped. As they grow, they become increasingly more reddish-brown.
Adult Bed Bugs
As adults, bed bugs have a more distinguishable appearance. They measure about ¼ to 5/8 of an inch long, dark reddish-brown, and have a more oval body shape. They have ridged cuticles on their body and six legs, and wings, which are not functional. Because of their size, it can be difficult to spot them unless they’ve been exposed to heat or light, or when they’re sucking on blood.
The bottom line is if you’ve ever wondered what a bed bug looks like — an immature or adult — you now know. If you believe you have an infestation, it’s important to contact a pest management professional right away to properly identify and treat the bed bugs.