What do the eggs laid by bedbugs look like? - briefly
Bedbug eggs are tiny, about 1 mm long, oval‑shaped, and translucent white, often appearing as a cluster of a few to dozens glued to cracks, seams, or fabric. Their smooth shells make them difficult to see without close inspection.
What do the eggs laid by bedbugs look like? - in detail
Bedbug ova are minuscule, measuring roughly 0.5 mm in length and 0.3 mm in width. Each egg is oval‑shaped with a slightly flattened dorsal side, giving it a teardrop profile when viewed from the side. The shell is smooth, translucent to off‑white, and may appear faintly yellowish as it matures. A single egg possesses a single, elongated operculum—a tiny lid at one pole that the emerging nymph pushes open.
Females deposit eggs in clusters of 5–7, sometimes up to 15, within concealed crevices such as mattress seams, wall cracks, furniture joints, and baseboard gaps. The adhesive secretion surrounding each egg allows it to adhere securely to the substrate, preventing displacement by movement or cleaning. Eggs are often concealed beneath fabric folds or paper liners, rendering them difficult to detect without close inspection.
Incubation lasts 6–10 days under typical indoor temperatures (22–26 °C). During development, the egg gradually darkens, reaching a more opaque white before hatching. The chorion remains intact until the nymph employs mandibular movements to breach the operculum.
Key characteristics for identification:
- Size: 0.5 mm × 0.3 mm
- Shape: Oval, slightly flattened dorsally
- Color: Translucent to off‑white, yellowing with age
- Surface: Smooth, coated with adhesive secretions
- Operculum: Single lid at one pole
- Arrangement: Small clusters hidden in cracks and seams
Recognition of these traits enables effective monitoring and targeted control measures.