What do bedbugs look like and what are their bites like? - briefly
Bedbugs are tiny, oval‑shaped insects about 5–7 mm long, reddish‑brown when unfed and swollen, lighter‑colored after a blood meal. Their bites appear as small, red, itchy welts that often occur in linear or clustered patterns.
What do bedbugs look like and what are their bites like? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are flat laterally, allowing them to slip into narrow crevices. Color ranges from reddish‑brown after feeding to a lighter tan when unfed. Antennae are short, with five segments, and the legs are slender, each ending in a claw that grips fabric fibers. The dorsal surface bears fine hairs and a pair of dark, crescent‑shaped markings on the pronotum, often used for identification. Adults possess two wing‑like structures called hemelytra, which are non‑functional for flight. Nymphs resemble adults but are translucent and increase in size with each molt.
Bite characteristics are distinct yet frequently misidentified. A single feeding event can involve several punctures, producing a cluster of raised spots. Initial lesions appear as flat, red welts that may swell within minutes. Itching intensity varies; some individuals experience mild irritation, while others develop intense pruritus and secondary inflammation. Typical reactions include:
- Small, round erythematous papules, 2–5 mm in diameter
- Linear or zig‑zag patterns when multiple insects feed consecutively
- Delayed onset of itching, often 12–48 hours after exposure
- Possible vesicle formation in sensitized persons
The bites usually occur on exposed skin during nighttime, most commonly on the neck, arms, and face. Bedbugs inject saliva containing anticoagulants and anesthetic compounds, which mask the immediate pain of the bite. Reactions can be influenced by the host’s immune response; repeated exposure may lead to heightened sensitivity or, conversely, reduced responsiveness.
Management focuses on symptom relief and preventing further infestation. Topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines alleviate itching and inflammation. Cleaning the affected area with mild soap reduces the risk of secondary infection. To control the pest, remove clutter, wash bedding at ≥ 60 °C, vacuum seams and cracks, and employ encasements for mattresses and box springs. Professional heat treatment or insecticide application may be required for severe cases.