What do bedbug larvae look like in an apartment? - briefly
Bed‑bug nymphs are tiny, flat, oval insects measuring roughly 1–5 mm, initially white or translucent and turning brown after each molt. They lack wings and possess short antennae, giving them the appearance of miniature white beetles.
What do bedbug larvae look like in an apartment? - in detail
Bed‑bug nymphs in a dwelling are small, elongated insects that increase in size with each molt. The first‑instar stage measures about 1 mm in length, roughly the size of a pinhead. Their bodies are translucent or pale yellow, allowing internal organs to be faintly visible through the cuticle. As they mature, they become progressively darker, reaching a reddish‑brown hue at the fifth instar, just before adulthood.
Key physical traits include:
- Six legs, each ending in a tiny claw, positioned near the front of the thorax.
- Two short antennae with three visible segments; the antennae are lighter in color than the body.
- No wings; the abdomen is smooth and oval, lacking the hardened outer shell of the adult.
- Small, dark eyes located on the head, often difficult to discern without magnification.
- A pair of scent glands near the rear, which may emit a faint odor when the insect is disturbed.
Nymphs are active primarily at night, moving quickly across fabric, wallpaper, and baseboards. They hide in cracks, seams of mattresses, behind headboards, inside wall voids, and within the folds of curtains. Their translucent appearance makes detection challenging on light‑colored surfaces, while on darker backgrounds they appear as tiny, moving specks.
When inspecting an apartment, focus on:
- Mattress seams, especially the edges and folds.
- Box‑spring and bed frame joints.
- Upholstered furniture crevices.
- Baseboard gaps and wall baseboards.
- Behind picture frames and wall hangings.
Using a magnifying glass or a handheld microscope reveals the nymphs’ delicate legs and antennae, confirming their identity without confusion with other small insects.