Bed bugs in a pillow: what do they look like? - briefly
Adult specimens are about 4–5 mm long, oval, flat‑sided and reddish‑brown; after a blood meal they become swollen, lighter in color and more rounded. Nymphs are smaller, translucent to pale brown, and resemble miniature versions of the adults.
Bed bugs in a pillow: what do they look like? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) found within a pillow exhibit the same physical characteristics as those encountered on mattresses or furniture. Adult specimens are oval, flattened dorsoventrally, and measure approximately 4–5 mm in length and 2–3 mm in width. Their coloration ranges from light brown after a recent blood meal to a darker, reddish‑brown hue when unfed. The body surface is smooth, lacking visible setae, and the head is concealed beneath the thorax. Six legs extend from the thorax, each ending in a small claw that enables clinging to fabric fibers. Antennae consist of four segmented filaments, each about 0.5 mm long, positioned near the mouthparts.
Nymphal stages progress through five instars, each resembling a miniature adult but smaller and paler. First‑instar nymphs measure roughly 1.5 mm and appear translucent, becoming progressively more pigmented with successive molts. All instars retain the characteristic oval shape and lack wings.
Eggs are tiny, oval, and approximately 0.5 mm in length. They are whitish‑cream and often adhere to pillow seams or stuffing fibers. Egg clusters may be visible as a faint, powdery accumulation.
Visual indicators of an infestation inside a pillow include:
- Live insects: adult or nymphal forms observed on the surface or after shaking the pillow.
- Shed exoskeletons: translucent or brownish casings left behind after molting.
- Fecal stains: dark, rust‑colored specks resembling pepper, typically located near seams or within the filling.
- Blood spots: small, reddish‑brown marks resulting from crushed bugs releasing digested blood.
- Egg clusters: minute, whitish aggregates attached to fabric threads.
Inspection should involve removing pillow covers, shaking the pillow over a white sheet, and examining the interior with a magnifying lens to detect the aforementioned elements. Prompt identification facilitates effective treatment and prevents further spread.