How do domestic bedbugs look on a sofa? - briefly
They appear as tiny, flat, reddish‑brown ovals about 4–5 mm long, often visible as specks or pale shed skins along seams, cushions, and fabric folds.
How do domestic bedbugs look on a sofa? - in detail
Domestic bedbugs that infest a couch are small, flat insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when fully fed. Their bodies are oval, reddish‑brown, and lack wings. After a blood meal, the abdomen expands and turns a deeper, almost brick‑red hue; unfed individuals appear lighter, tan‑brown. The dorsal surface is smooth, while the ventral side shows faint, pale bands that become more pronounced after feeding.
Key visual clues on upholstery include:
- Live insects: often hidden in seams, cushions, or behind fabric folds; they move slowly and may be seen crawling on the surface when disturbed.
- Exuviae (shed skins): translucent to light brown shells left after molting; they resemble tiny, empty shells and accumulate near cracks or stitching.
- Fecal spots: dark, rust‑colored specks measuring 0.5–1 mm, typically found on cushions, armrests, and the underside of fabric. These spots may smudge when pressed.
- Blood stains: small, reddish spots resulting from crushed bugs; they can appear as faint smears on fabric or leather.
- Egg clusters: tiny, white, about 0.5 mm in diameter, often glued to seams, tufts, or the underside of cushions; they are difficult to see without magnification.
The coloration of the insects changes with temperature and feeding status. In cooler environments, they may appear paler, while recent feeding gives a vivid, almost maroon tone. Their antennae are short, segmented, and dark, and the legs are slender, ending in tiny claws that enable them to cling to fabric fibers.
When inspecting a sofa, examine the following areas closely: stitching lines, cushion seams, the underside of the seat, armrest crevices, and any removable fabric covers. Use a bright light and a magnifying lens to differentiate between fecal spots and fabric discoloration. Detecting a combination of live bugs, shed skins, fecal stains, and egg clusters confirms an infestation on the couch.