What do bedbugs look like in furniture? - briefly
Bedbugs are flat, oval insects about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown in color, visible as tiny specks or darkened spots on seams, cushions, and wooden frames; after feeding they swell and become a brighter, almost blood‑red hue, while their eggs appear as minute white dots.
What do bedbugs look like in furniture? - in detail
Bedbugs that infest household furnishings are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring 4–5 mm in length when unfed and about 2 mm when engorged. Their bodies are flat on the dorsal side, allowing them to slip into narrow seams and crevices. The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown color; after a blood meal the abdomen becomes a brighter, swollen red. Adult specimens possess six legs that end in tiny claws, useful for gripping fabric fibers and wood grain. Nymphs resemble adults but are lighter in hue and proportionally smaller, increasing in darkness with each molt.
Visible signs in furniture include:
- Dark spots: fecal stains appear as tiny, pepper‑like specks on upholstery, mattress seams, or wooden frames.
- Molted skins: translucent exoskeletons are left behind as the insect grows.
- Live sightings: the insects may be observed crawling along seams, under cushions, or inside drawer joints, especially after a disturbance.
- Odor: a sweet, musty scent may be emitted by large populations, though this is not always detectable.
Typical hiding places within furniture are:
- Stitch lines of sofas, chairs, and cushions.
- Bed frames, headboards, and mattress tags.
- Upholstery folds and button holes.
- Wooden cracks, especially in antique or poorly finished pieces.
- Drawer interiors and cabinet backs where fabric liners are present.
When inspecting, use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to examine these zones. A disposable, white‑paper towel can be pressed against suspected areas; any transferred dark specks indicate the presence of the pest. Early detection relies on recognizing the insect’s size, shape, and coloration, as well as the characteristic stains and shed skins they leave behind.