What do bed bugs look like on a bed? - briefly
On a mattress, they appear as tiny, flat, oval insects about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown in color, often clustered near seams, tags, or folds. After feeding they swell, turn brighter red, and may be seen as small dark spots on sheets or pillowcases.
What do bed bugs look like on a bed? - in detail
Bed bugs on a sleeping surface are small, oval insects about 4‑5 mm long when fully grown. Their bodies are flat, lacking wings, and they appear glossy reddish‑brown after feeding, becoming lighter tan when unfed. The head is concealed beneath the thorax, so the insect looks like a smooth, elongated seed.
Key visual cues include:
- Size and shape: adult specimens resemble a tiny apple seed; nymphs are proportionally smaller and more translucent.
- Color variation: newly hatched nymphs are nearly colorless; each successive molt adds a deeper reddish hue.
- Body surface: a faint, waxy sheen distinguishes them from fabric fibers.
- Movement: they crawl slowly, leaving a faint trail of excrement that darkens to rusty‑brown spots on sheets or mattress seams.
Additional evidence of infestation appears as:
- Fecal stains: tiny specks, 1‑2 mm in diameter, often found on pillowcases, mattress edges, or bed frames.
- Shed skins: translucent exoskeletons left behind after each molt, typically near cracks or seams.
- Egg clusters: small, white, about 0.5 mm in diameter, often adhered to fabric folds or stitching.
Typical locations on a bed include:
- Seams, tufts, and folds of the mattress.
- Behind headboards and under bed frames.
- Inside pillowcases and duvet covers, especially near stitching.
Recognizing these characteristics enables accurate identification of the pest on a sleeping arrangement.