What do small domestic bedbugs look like? - briefly
They are oval, flattened insects about 4–5 mm long, reddish‑brown in color; after a blood meal they become swollen and darker. Nymphs share the same shape but are lighter and smaller, measuring 1–3 mm.
What do small domestic bedbugs look like? - in detail
Small household bedbugs are reddish‑brown insects measuring approximately 1.5–3 mm in length. Their bodies are oval, flat when unfed and become more engorged after a blood meal, expanding to a swollen, rounded shape. The dorsal surface bears fine, hair‑like bristles that give a slightly fuzzy appearance. Six legs emerge from the thorax, each ending in a claw that allows rapid movement across fabrics. Antennae are short, segmented, and positioned near the head, providing sensory input. Eyes are simple ocelli, not prominent. The abdomen displays a light‑colored band near the posterior edge, contrasting with the darker anterior portion. When feeding, the insect’s abdomen enlarges, and the color may appear paler due to the intake of blood.
Key visual identifiers:
- Size: 1.5–3 mm, comparable to an apple seed.
- Color: reddish‑brown to mahogany, with a lighter marginal band.
- Shape: flattened before feeding, convex after engorgement.
- Surface: fine setae giving a velvety texture.
- Legs: six, each with a claw for clinging to seams and folds.
- Antennae: short, multi‑segmented, located near the head.
- Eyes: small ocelli, not easily seen without magnification.
These characteristics distinguish tiny domestic bedbugs from other household arthropods such as carpet beetles, dust mites, or fleas, which differ in size, body shape, coloration, and leg structure. Recognizing the specific combination of size, color band, and engorged silhouette enables accurate identification during inspections.