What do household bed bugs look like and what do their bites look like? - briefly
Adult bed bugs are flat, reddish‑brown insects about 4–5 mm long that swell and turn brighter after a blood meal. Their bites manifest as small, red, itchy welts, frequently grouped in a line or cluster.
What do household bed bugs look like and what do their bites look like? - in detail
The domestic bed bug, Cimex lectularius, measures 4–5 mm in length, roughly the size of an apple seed. Its body is flattened, oval, and reddish‑brown when unfed; after feeding it expands and turns a brighter, almost brick‑red hue. The insect lacks wings and antennae are short, segmented, and positioned near the head. Six legs emerge from the thorax, each ending in a claw‑like tip. The dorsal surface is smooth, while the ventral side shows a pair of white, oval‑shaped spiracles for respiration. When the bug is disturbed, it may emit a faint, sweet odor.
Bite marks appear as small, raised, red papules, typically grouped in a line or cluster of three to five spots. Each puncture is about 1 mm in diameter; the central point may be slightly darker, indicating where the proboscis entered. Reactions vary from no visible sign to pronounced swelling, itching, or a hive‑like rash. The lesions often develop within a few hours after feeding and may persist for several days. In some cases, a central punctum remains visible, resembling a tiny pinprick. The pattern of multiple bites in close proximity, especially along exposed skin such as the forearms, neck, or face, is a hallmark of infestation.