What do bedbugs look like in a house? - briefly
In a residential setting, bed bugs are tiny, oval insects about 45 mm long, reddish‑brown in color and flattened when unfed, becoming larger and brighter after feeding. They are visible to the naked eye on mattresses, headboards, and in cracks and crevices where they hide.
What do bedbugs look like in a house? - in detail
Bedbugs are small, flat insects ranging from 4 mm to 5 mm in length when unfed, roughly the size of an apple seed. Their bodies are oval, broad, and dorsoventrally compressed, allowing them to hide in narrow crevices. The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown hue that darkens to a deeper burgundy after a blood meal. Antennae are short, segmented, and located near the head, while each side of the abdomen bears three tiny, curved bristles (setae) that assist in movement.
The species progresses through five nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Each nymph resembles a miniature adult but is lighter in color, measuring about 1.5 mm at emergence and growing proportionally with each molt. Nymphs become increasingly pigmented after feeding, eventually matching the adult’s reddish tone. Eggs are minute, oval, and white, measuring approximately 0.5 mm, often deposited in clusters of 10–20 within protected seams or cracks.
Typical domestic hiding spots include:
- Mattress and box‑spring seams, particularly along the stitching.
- Headboard and footboard joints, especially if made of wood or metal.
- Bed frame cracks, slats, and under the bed frame.
- Upholstered furniture cushions and seams.
- Baseboard and wall junctions, including electrical outlet covers.
- Behind picture frames, wall hangings, and curtain rods.
Visible indicators of infestation consist of:
- Fecal spots – dark, rust‑colored specks resembling small dots or smears on bedding, furniture, or walls.
- Shed exoskeletons – translucent, pale shells left behind after each molt.
- Blood stains – tiny, reddish spots on sheets or pillowcases, often appearing after the insect is crushed.
- Odor – a sweet, musty scent emitted by large colonies, detectable without specialized equipment.
Distinguishing features separate bedbugs from similar pests. Unlike cockroaches, they lack wings and have a flatter profile. They differ from carpet beetles, which are more rounded and have a glossy appearance. Their feeding behavior—piercing skin and withdrawing blood—produces a characteristic bite pattern: small, red, itchy welts often aligned in a line or cluster.
In summary, the insect’s compact, reddish‑brown body, progressive color change after feeding, and presence of minute white eggs, combined with specific hiding locations and diagnostic signs, provide a comprehensive visual profile for identification within a residential environment.