What do bed bugs look like in an apartment? - briefly
They are small, flat, oval insects about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown in color, and become more visible after a blood meal when their abdomen swells to a darker hue. In apartments they are commonly found in mattress seams, box‑spring crevices, headboards, and cracks of nearby furniture.
What do bed bugs look like in an apartment? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, oval insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed. Their bodies are flat, reddish‑brown, and lack wings. After a blood meal, the abdomen expands, turning a brighter, almost ruby hue and becoming noticeably swollen.
Nymphs resemble miniature adults but are lighter in color and increase in size with each molt. Five developmental stages exist; each stage is slightly larger and darker than the previous one. All stages retain the same flattened, egg‑shaped silhouette.
Typical hiding places within a dwelling include:
- Mattress seams, especially along the edges and piping
- Headboards and box‑spring frames
- Upholstered furniture seams and cushions
- Cracks in wall panels, baseboards, and flooring
- Behind picture frames, electrical outlets, and curtain rods
Visible evidence of an infestation consists of:
- Tiny dark specks (fecal spots) on sheets, pillows, or walls
- Transparent exoskeletons shed after molting
- Small reddish stains on linens, indicating digested blood
- Live insects observed during night‑time or in daylight when disturbed
Bed bugs are nocturnal, traveling short distances to feed on exposed skin. Their movement is slow and deliberate, allowing them to remain concealed for weeks. Detection relies on careful inspection of the listed locations and identification of the described signs.