Bed bugs are sneaky. They come out at night, and sneak away during the day, leaving people wondering if they could be dealing with a bedbug infestation or another pest. They are plenty of other warning signs but but none as definate as tracking down the actual bug. If you are wondering what bedbugs actually look like then read on.
Physical Characteristics of Bed Bugs
Adult bedbugs are flattened, and reddish brown in color. They are oval in shape and do not have any wings. They have a banded appearance and they have hair on there bodies that are not visible to the naked eye, but is noticeable through a microscope.
Bed bugs that are newly hatched are lighter in color and as they age and molt, they get browner and bigger.
How Big Are Bed Bugs?
Adult bedbugs can grow to be 4-5mm in length and 1.5-3mm wide.
Sometimes that get mistaken for carpet beetles, or booklice. Bedbugs are not that hard to spot to the naked eye, you just have to look closely.
Myth: It’s commonly believed that bed bugs can’t be seen by the naked eye.
Fact: Bed bugs are small, but not that small. They and their eggs can be clearly seen without needing any magnification equipment.
Where to Find Bed Bugs
Bedbugs are only active when you go to bed, so usually night time. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and warmth. You cannot feel the bite of a bedbug once you are bitten. In fact, you cannot feel nothing at all. One feeding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes. After feeding they return to where they came from to digest their meal.
They like out of the way places, like along floor boards, between couch cussins and along seams. If you are getting bitten, check around your bed and mattress closely. Even if you don’t find them, they tend to leave behind signs of bed bug activity. They are small in size but the reddish brown color makes them more noticeable on light colored bedding and carpet. And after feeding