What do bedbugs look like and how do they appear? - briefly
Adult bedbugs are oval, flat-bodied insects about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown in color and become more engorged and darker after feeding. They are usually observed as tiny specks on mattress seams, in cracks, or as small dark fecal spots.
What do bedbugs look like and how do they appear? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, wing‑less insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when fully grown, comparable to the size of an apple seed. Their bodies are flat, oval, and reddish‑brown, becoming more swollen and darker after a blood meal. The dorsal surface is covered with fine hairs that give a matte appearance, while the ventral side is lighter. Adult females are slightly larger than males, but both sexes share the same coloration and shape.
The insect undergoes five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Each molt increases size by about 1 mm and darkens the exoskeleton. Early instars appear pale and translucent, making them difficult to detect without magnification. By the fourth instar, the nymph resembles an adult but retains a lighter hue and a thinner abdomen.
Bedbugs become visible primarily after feeding. They inject saliva that prevents blood clotting, then ingest up to 7 µl of blood, causing the abdomen to expand and turn a deep red. Feeding typically occurs at night when hosts are immobile, resulting in a pattern of small, reddish‑brown spots on bedding or clothing. These spots are fecal stains, approximately 0.5–1 mm in diameter, composed of digested blood.
Typical locations where the insects are encountered include:
- Mattress seams, tags, and tufts
- Box springs and bed frames
- Headboards and nightstands
- Upholstered furniture, especially crevices
- Wall cracks and baseboards near sleeping areas
Signs of infestation extend beyond live specimens. Look for:
- Tiny, rust‑colored spots on sheets or walls (fecal deposits)
- Dark, smudge‑like stains on mattresses (excreted blood)
- A faint, sweet, musty odor produced by pheromones
- Shed exoskeletons, especially after molting
When a population establishes, the insects aggregate in harborage zones, forming clusters that can contain dozens to hundreds of individuals. Their flat bodies enable them to hide within narrow fissures, making detection challenging without thorough inspection.