What do bedbugs look like on sofas? - briefly
On a sofa, bedbugs are flat, oval, reddish‑brown insects about 4–5 mm long, typically concealed in seams, folds, and cushion crevices. After feeding their bodies darken, and small white eggs or shed skins may be visible nearby.
What do bedbugs look like on sofas? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, oval‑shaped insects measuring approximately 4–5 mm in length when unfed and expanding to about 7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are flat and dorsoventrally compressed, allowing them to slip into narrow gaps. The exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown color; unfed individuals appear lighter, while engorged ones become a deep, swollen crimson.
On upholstered furniture, the insects are most often found in the following locations:
- seams and stitching of cushions
- folds of fabric beneath armrests
- gaps between the frame and the padding
- under removable covers or cushion ties
Visible evidence includes:
- Live or dead insects – tiny, oval bodies that may be spotted during close inspection.
- Shed exoskeletons – translucent shells left after molting, usually near the same hiding spots.
- Fecal stains – dark, rust‑colored specks resembling small pepper grains, often deposited on fabric or wood near the infestation site.
- Eggs – tiny, white, oval bodies about 1 mm long, typically clustered in crevices.
Engorged specimens are most noticeable because their abdomen expands dramatically, giving them a balloon‑like silhouette. After feeding, they may appear glossy due to the stretched cuticle. Unfed bugs retain a flatter profile and a duller hue, making them harder to detect without magnification.
When examining a sofa, focus on seam lines, button holes, and any detachable components. Use a flashlight at an oblique angle to highlight the reddish tint of the insects and the dark specks of fecal material. A systematic sweep of each cushion, followed by inspection of the frame and underlying support structures, provides the most reliable detection method.