What do infested bedbugs look like? - briefly
Infested bedbugs are tiny, oval insects about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown when unfed and turning a darker, engorged hue after a blood meal. Their bodies are flat before feeding and become balloon‑like and pale when filled with blood.
What do infested bedbugs look like? - in detail
Bedbugs that have established a population are easily distinguished by several physical characteristics.
Adult insects measure 4–5 mm in length, about the size of an apple seed. Their bodies are oval, flat on the dorsal side and become more swollen after a blood meal. Color shifts from a pale, almost translucent hue when unfed to a deep reddish‑brown after feeding, often with a visible dark spot where the abdomen expands. The exoskeleton is smooth, lacking hairs or wings, and the head is concealed beneath the thorax, giving a seamless appearance.
Nymphs, which undergo five growth stages, are smaller—approximately 1 mm at the first instar and up to 4 mm at the final stage. Their coloration mirrors that of adults, starting pale and darkening with each blood intake. Each molt leaves behind a translucent exuviae that resembles a tiny, empty shell.
Eggs are about 0.5 mm long, white, and laid in clusters of 10–50. They adhere to seams, fabric folds, or crevices, appearing as a faint, powdery speckling.
Additional visual indicators of an active infestation include:
- Tiny, dark fecal spots (approximately 1 mm) on bedding, mattress seams, or walls; these are digested blood residues.
- Streaks of reddish or rust‑colored stains on sheets, pillowcases, or mattress covers, representing crushed insects or leaked blood.
- Transparent shed skins found near sleeping areas, especially after a molting cycle.
- Small, white or yellowish egg clusters hidden in cracks, upholstery seams, or behind baseboards.
When inspecting a sleeping environment, look for the combination of adult and nymphal forms, their characteristic color changes after feeding, and the associated debris. These elements together confirm the presence of a bedbug infestation.