What do bedbugs look like and what are their symptoms? - briefly
Adult bedbugs are reddish‑brown, oval insects about 4–5 mm long, appearing swelled and brighter after a blood meal. Their bites produce small, itchy, red welts, often clustered in groups of three, sometimes with mild swelling or a burning sensation.
What do bedbugs look like and what are their symptoms? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring 4–5 mm in length. Their bodies are flat when unfed and become swollen after a blood meal. The coloration ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown, with a lighter abdomen that may appear reddish after feeding. They lack wings, possess six legs, and have short, thread‑like antennae. Eyes are reduced to simple ocelli. The exoskeleton is covered with fine hairs, giving a slightly fuzzy appearance. Molting produces shed skins that are often found near harborages.
Typical indicators of an infestation include:
- Small, red‑to‑purple bite marks, usually arranged in a line or cluster on exposed skin.
- Intense itching that may develop within hours of the bite.
- Dark, rust‑colored stains on bedding, representing digested blood.
- Tiny black‑speckled fecal spots on mattresses, sheets, or walls.
- Presence of exuviae (shed skins) near cracks, seams, or crevices.
- A faint, sweet, musty odor detectable in heavily infested areas.
Bites themselves are painless at the moment of penetration, making early detection reliant on visual signs and skin reactions. The combination of physical evidence and bite symptoms confirms the presence of these parasites.