Pictures of Bed Bugs at All Stages - What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like? Pictures and Descriptions

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They can be challenging to spot with the naked eye, but cause itchy, irritated bites on exposed skin. Being able to identify bed bugs is important for controlling infestations. So what do bed bugs look like exactly? Here we provide pictures and descriptions to help you recognize bed bugs at various life stages.

Adult Bed Bugs

Adult bed bugs are oval-shaped, wingless insects about the size of an apple seed. They have flat, rust-colored oval bodies, six legs, short antennae, and cannot fly or jump.

Some key identifiers of adult bed bugs include:

• Grow to approx. 5 mm long (about the size of Lincoln's head on a penny).
• Reddish-brown to light brown color.
• Flattened bodies before feeding, rounder after a blood meal.
• Three segments including the head, thorax, and abdomen.

Adult bed bugs are sneaky and excellent at hiding near beds or furniture. They can often be found concealed in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture cracks, or baseboards.

Bed Bug Nymphs

Nymphs are juvenile bed bugs that hatch from eggs. They look similar to adults but smaller and paler.

Distinctive characteristics of bed bug nymphs include:

• Size ranges from 1-4mm after hatching.
• whitish-yellow translucent bodies.
• Shed their exoskeletons 5 times before reaching adult stage.
• Feed on blood to grow.

Nymphs tend to congregate together and often remain near where adult female bed bugs lay their eggs. This can help with identification.

Bed Bug Eggs

Female adult bed bugs can lay up to 5 eggs per day and 500 eggs in her lifespan. The eggs are tiny, about the size of a pinhead.

Here are the main characteristics of bed bug eggs:

• Tiny oval shapes, about 1 mm long.
• White or pale yellow translucent color.
• Glue-like coating allows them to adhere to surfaces.
• Laid in cracks, crevices, mattress seams, etc.
• Hatch in around 10 days.

Finding clusters of bed bug eggs can indicate an established infestation. Look along mattress seams and furniture cracks.

Bed Bug Fecal Spots

Bed bug droppings, known as fecal spots, can help reveal their presence. The spots look like dark rust-colored stains and contain digested blood.

Signs of bed bug feces include:

• Small dark spots roughly the size of a pen tip.
• Rusty red to deep brown color.
• Often found on mattresses, box springs, bed frames.
• Crush and smear to determine if it's dried blood.

Fecal stains often accumulate in areas where bed bugs hide or travel. Large groupings of spots likely mean an established community.

Bed Bug Shells

As nymphs grow, they shed their exoskeleton, or outer shell, five times before reaching adulthood. The leftover exoskeletons can help indicate bed bugs.

Look for:

• Translucent, light tan shells about 1-5 mm long
• Shed skins that are hollow and empty
• Cast off shells near hiding places or blood spots

Molted shells mean bed bugs have been living and growing in an area. Seeing multiple shed skins together often reveals a larger infestation.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bugs feed on human blood, usually at night when people are sleeping. Their bites often appear as small, itchy, swollen red bumps or welts on exposed skin.

Some common signs of bed bug bite marks include:

• Small red bumps, welts, or hives
• Itchy and inflamed lesions
• Bites often in lines or clusters of 3-4 bites
• May take a day or more for bites to become noticeable

Bed bug bites can easily be confused with other insect bites. The best way to confirm is to inspect for signs of bed bugs near sleeping areas.

Where Do You Find Bed Bugs?

Pinpointing where bed bugs are living can confirm if an infestation is present. Some key areas to inspect include:

On and Around the Bed

Bed bugs often live right near where people sleep, including:

• Mattress seams, tufts, and edges
• Bed frames and headboards
• Under mattress covers and tags
• Inside box springs
• Behind headboards and artwork

Furniture and Flooring

Bed bugs will also spread to other furniture near beds:

• Under sofa cushions and chairs
• Inside cracks in wood furniture
• Under peeling wallpaper or wall hangings
• Behind electrical switch plates
• Inside floor cracks and moldings

Luggage and Clothing

Bed bugs can inadvertently be brought into homes via:

• Suitcases after traveling
• Used furniture or clothing
• Laundry bags and hampers

Inspect anything that comes from another location for signs of bed bugs.

Top Bed Bug Prevention Tips

While bed bugs are challenging to fully prevent, some proactive precautions can deter infestations from developing or spreading:

Inspect Regularly

Check mattresses, bedding, furniture, and surrounding areas frequently for early signs of bed bugs.

Reduce Clutter

Get rid of clutter and seal cracks to eliminate bed bug hiding spots.

Cover Mattresses & Pillows

Encasing mattresses and pillows in bed bug proof covers limits their ability to hide.

Isolate Infected Items

Keep furniture, clothing or bedding that may be infested isolated until treated.

Treat Infestations

Inspect, wash, and use targeted sprays or steam cleaning in areas where bed bugs are found.

What to Do if You Have Bed Bugs

If you discover bed bugs, taking prompt action is advised:

1. Inspect the areas around your bed thoroughly and look for signs of bed bugs.
2. Reduce clutter and vacuum all floors near sleeping areas.
3. Wash and dry bedding and clothing at high heat to kill bugs.
4. Use quality bed bug sprays or traps to treat infested rooms.
5. Seal cracks and crevices where bed bugs are living.
6. Consider professional pest control if infestations persist.

Catching bed bug infestations early makes them much easier to eliminate. Use the pictures and information here to identify bed bugs so you can take action.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.