How can I determine the appearance of bed bugs? - briefly
Bed bugs are flat, oval insects about 5‑7 mm long, reddish‑brown in color, with a swollen abdomen after feeding and no wings. Look for tiny, dark spots (fecal stains) and shed skins on mattresses, bedding, and cracks near sleeping areas.
How can I determine the appearance of bed bugs? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, oval‑shaped insects that flatten when not feeding. Adults measure approximately 4–5 mm in length, about the size of an apple seed, and 2–3 mm in width. Their bodies are dorsally convex, giving a teardrop profile from a side view. The coloration ranges from reddish‑brown after a blood meal to a lighter, straw‑colored hue when unfed; the abdomen may appear slightly darker than the thorax.
The head is concealed beneath the pronotum, which forms a distinct, narrow “shield” covering the front of the thorax. Six legs extend from the thorax, each ending in a pair of claws that enable rapid movement across fabric and furniture. Antennae consist of five slender segments, typically lighter in color than the body.
Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and lack fully developed wing pads. Five developmental stages exist, each requiring a blood meal before molting. The first‑instar nymph measures roughly 1.5 mm, while the final instar approaches adult size. Coloration darkens progressively with each molt, culminating in the adult’s characteristic brown tone.
Eggs are tiny, oval, and about 0.5 mm long. They are laid in clusters of 10–50 and adhere to seams, crevices, or the underside of fabrics. Eggs appear white or creamy and are often difficult to see without magnification.
Key visual indicators of infestation include:
- Fecal spots: Dark, rust‑colored smears left on bedding, mattress seams, or walls.
- Exuviae: Translucent or brownish shells shed during molting; these are approximately 2 mm long and may be found near hiding places.
- Blood stains: Small, reddish spots on sheets or pillowcases, resulting from crushed insects.
- Live insects: Visible movement at night or when disturbed, often on the edges of mattresses, headboards, or baseboards.
When inspecting a suspected area, use a magnifying lens or a flashlight to examine seams, folds, and hidden crevices. Look for the combination of adult morphology, nymphal forms, eggs, and the diagnostic signs listed above to confirm the presence of bed bugs.