What do bed bugs look like?
Quick Answer
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects about apple-seed size; nymphs are paler and smaller. Adult bed bugs are typically 4-5mm long, oval-shaped, and become more swollen and reddish after feeding on blood.
Key Takeaways
- Adult bed bugs are about 4-5mm long, roughly the size of an apple seed
- They have flat, oval-shaped bodies that become swollen after feeding
- Color ranges from light brown to reddish-brown, darker after feeding
- Nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller, paler, and translucent
- They have six legs, antennae, and no wings
- Visible to the naked eye, unlike some other household pests
Adult Bed Bug Appearance
Adult bed bugs are easily recognizable once you know what to look for. They measure about 4-5 millimeters in length (roughly 1/4 inch), making them about the size of an apple seed. Their bodies are distinctively flat and oval-shaped, which allows them to hide in very thin cracks and crevices.
Color and Shape Characteristics
Unfed bed bugs typically appear light to medium brown in color. However, their appearance changes dramatically after feeding:
- Before feeding: Flat, brown, and easily able to hide in tight spaces
- After feeding: Swollen, elongated, and reddish-brown from the blood meal
- Body shape: Oval with a broad, flattened appearance
- Legs: Six legs that are relatively short compared to other insects
Nymph and Juvenile Bed Bugs
Young bed bugs, called nymphs, can be harder to spot but are still visible to the naked eye. They go through five growth stages before becoming adults.
Nymph Characteristics
- Size: Range from 1.5mm (first stage) to 4.5mm (fifth stage)
- Color: Pale yellow to light brown, more translucent than adults
- Appearance: Similar body shape to adults but smaller and lighter
- Visibility: Can be difficult to see due to their small size and pale color
How to Distinguish Bed Bugs from Other Insects
Bed bugs are often confused with other small insects. Here's how to tell them apart:
Bed Bugs vs. Other Common Insects
- Fleas: Bed bugs are larger and cannot jump; fleas are smaller and excellent jumpers
- Ticks: Ticks have eight legs (bed bugs have six) and are typically rounder
- Carpet beetles: More rounded and often have patterns on their backs
- Bat bugs: Nearly identical but have longer hair on their thorax
Where to Look for Bed Bugs
Knowing where bed bugs typically hide can help with identification. They prefer areas close to where people sleep and are most active at night.
Common Hiding Spots
- Mattress seams, especially at the head of the bed
- Box springs and bed frames
- Furniture cracks and crevices
- Behind headboards and picture frames
- Electrical outlets near sleeping areas
- Curtains and upholstered furniture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see bed bugs without a magnifying glass?
Yes, adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. They're about the size of an apple seed, making them large enough to see clearly. However, nymphs can be more difficult to spot due to their smaller size and lighter color.
Do bed bugs have wings?
No, bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. They have wing pads but these are non-functional. They move by crawling and can move quickly across floors, walls, and ceilings.
What color are bed bug eggs?
Bed bug eggs are tiny (about 1mm), white or pearl-colored, and oval-shaped. They're often found in clusters in the same areas where adult bed bugs hide, such as mattress seams and furniture cracks.
How can I tell if what I found is definitely a bed bug?
Key identifying features include: apple seed size, flat oval body, reddish-brown color (especially after feeding), six legs, no wings, and antennae. If you're unsure, consider capturing a specimen and consulting a pest control professional.
Do bed bugs change appearance after feeding?
Yes, bed bugs look quite different after feeding. They become swollen, elongated, and darker reddish-brown in color due to the blood meal. This makes them more visible but also more vulnerable as they move more slowly.
Bed Bug Prevention & Treatment
Protect your home with these bed bug prevention and treatment options:
