What do bed bugs that live in furniture look like? - briefly
Adult bed bugs are about 4–5 mm long, oval‑shaped, and reddish‑brown; they appear flat when unfed and swell to a balloon‑like shape after feeding. Nymphs are smaller, translucent to light brown, and darken with each successive molt.
What do bed bugs that live in furniture look like? - in detail
Bed bugs that infest upholstered pieces are small, flat insects about 4–5 mm long when unfed. Their bodies are oval, resembling a tiny apple seed, and lack wings. The dorsal surface is a matte, reddish‑brown color that may appear darker after a blood meal. The abdomen is slightly broader than the head‑thorax region, giving a “tadpole” silhouette from the side.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Six legs attached to the thorax, each ending in a tiny claw for gripping fabric fibers.
- Two elongated antennae positioned near the head, used for detecting carbon dioxide and heat.
- Three distinct body segments – head, thorax, and abdomen – separated by subtle grooves.
- No visible eyes; sensory pits are present on the antennae.
- Slightly convex edges on the abdomen, giving a rounded appearance when viewed from above.
Color and size change with feeding status:
- Unfed adults: Light brown, 4–5 mm.
- Recently fed: Deep reddish‑orange, swelling up to 6 mm.
- Starved for weeks: Pale, sometimes almost translucent.
Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and lighter. The first‑instar nymph measures about 1.5 mm and appears almost white; each subsequent molt adds about 0.5 mm and darkens the body. Eggs are tiny, 0.5 mm, oval, and white, often found glued to seams or crevices.
In furniture, bed bugs hide in:
- Seams, stitching, and folds of cushions.
- Under fabric covers and inside foam cores.
- Inside wooden frames, especially in drilled holes or cracks.
- Behind decorative trim, where darkness and limited disturbance provide protection.
When inspected closely, the insects’ flattened bodies enable them to slip between tightly woven fabrics, making detection challenging without magnification. Their presence is confirmed by the combination of size, shape, color shift after feeding, and the characteristic six‑leg and antennae arrangement.