What do indoor bedbugs look like in an apartment? - briefly
Adult indoor bedbugs are flat, oval, reddish‑brown insects about 4–5 mm long, with a visible seam down their back; after feeding they appear swollen and brighter red. Nymphs are smaller, translucent to pale brown, and darken with each successive molt.
What do indoor bedbugs look like in an apartment? - in detail
Indoor bedbugs are small, oval insects that flatten when not feeding and swell after a blood meal. Adults measure about 4–5 mm in length, roughly the size of a sesame seed. Their exoskeleton is a matte, reddish‑brown color; after feeding, the abdomen expands and the hue deepens to a darker, almost burgundy tone. Nymphs, which pass through five growth stages, are lighter in color—pale yellow or translucent—and range from 1 mm in the first instar to 3 mm in the fifth. Their bodies remain flat and lack the pronounced swelling seen in fully fed adults.
Eggs are minute, about 0.5 mm long, and appear as tiny white or creamy ovals attached to seams, crevices, or the underside of fabric. The eggs are often difficult to see without magnification.
Visible evidence of infestation includes:
- Dark, rust‑colored fecal spots (digested blood) on bedding, mattress seams, or walls.
- Tiny, translucent shed skins left behind after molts.
- Small, reddish‑brown exoskeletons found in cracks, furniture joints, or behind baseboards.
- Blood‑stained spots on sheets or pillowcases, indicating a recent feeding.
Typical hiding places within an apartment are:
- Mattress seams, box‑spring folds, and headboard crevices.
- Upholstered furniture cushions, especially under seams.
- Wall voids, baseboard gaps, and electrical outlet covers.
- Behind picture frames, curtains, and carpet edges.
- Under loose floorboards or within floor‑level cabinets.
When disturbed, bedbugs move quickly, crawling with a characteristic “c‑shaped” posture. Their legs are short, with three visible segments per leg, and the antennae are slender, positioned near the head. The overall silhouette is reminiscent of a tiny apple seed, with a smooth, rounded outline that becomes noticeably fuller after a blood meal.