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What Do Bed Bugs Look Like To The Human Eye

Fact Checked
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Update: May 23, 2023
4 min read
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Written by

Payal Singh
Content Writer
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like

Bed bugs can be a big nuisance. You may not see them often, but they are all around us. They’re usually fed off warm-blooded animals that can be hard to spot. And if you have bed bugs, it’s essential to know what to look for. But what do bed bugs look like to the human eye? How to get rid of them? 

Well, Sleep Guides India will help you recognise a bed bug when needed!

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like

There are many different characteristics of bed bugs as they come in all shapes and sizes. However, they usually have six legs, two antennae, and a small, reddish-brown flat body.

Adults

Adults are much larger than nymphs, measuring approximately 5-7 mm in length. But are bed bugs flat as adults? Yes, they are reddish-brown and have flat, oval-shaped bodies.

To identify them, look for an oval-shaped, reddish-brown insect about 3/16 of an inch long. Bed bugs are small and flat, so they can easily hide in cracks and crevices of furniture, beds, and walls. 

Baby Bugs (Nymphs)

Bed bug nymphs are small. But how big are bed bugs exactly when they’re babies? Well, they’re wingless insects typically 1-5 mm in size. 

To identify them, look for small, brownish insects about the size of an apple seed. You may find them in cracks and crevices of your bed, furniture, or clothing, as they often congregate in groups.

Bed Bug Eggs

Bed bug eggs are small and oval-shaped. They are white or creamy and about the size of a pinhead. 

And if you’re wondering – how to identify a bed bug egg – you must look for small, white, oval-shaped eggs. These eggs are usually about the size of a rice grain and are found in clusters. 

How Long Does It Take For Bed Bug To Appear

If you have been looking forward to getting rid of bed bugs, how long does it take for bed bugs to appear? Well, bed bugs can start showing up anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. This is because they need to feed on blood before feeling comfortable and showing themselves. 

And how to find bed bugs during the day?

Well, they are most active at night, but they can also be found during the day. But they are often difficult to spot due to their small size and dark colouration.

And so, usually, there are low chances that bed bugs are visible during the day.

Nevertheless, you can look for them with several signs, including –

  • Dark spots on your sheets or mattress (this is their faecal)
  • Rusty or reddish stains on your fabric (this is their blood)
  • Actual bugs that look like bed bugs crawling on your skin or bed 

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like On A Mattress

If you’ve been facing frequent problems with bed bugs, you might want to know – What do bed bugs look like on a mattress?

Bed bugs on a mattress usually appear as small, brown or red dots. These dots are the bed bugs’ faeces, which they excrete after feeding on your blood. 

How To Check For Bed Bugs In Bedding

Let’s look at how to check for bed bugs in your bedding. To do this, strip the sheets off your bed, the mattress, and the box spring. Also, check the cracks and crevices of your bed frame and headboard for bed bugs, as these pests can hide anywhere!

What Do Bed Bugs Bites Look Like

As anyone who’s ever had them can attest, bed bug bites look like many things. They can be tiny, or they can be huge. They can also be itchy. In short, there is no one answer to the question, “What do bed bug bites look like?”

How Do Bedbug Bites Differ From Other Common Insect Bites

Like many other insects, they are more likely to bite in a line or cluster of bites than a single bite. In addition, bed bugs bites often appear on the face, neck, and hands—areas that are not typically covered by clothing.

Tips to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to get rid of. Even so, their appearance may sometimes make you question – do bed bugs look like ants? If we compare these two, we’ll notice that they are of similar size, although they are different species. And if you want to get rid of them, there are a few things you can try –

  • Identify where they are coming from. Bed bugs typically live in cracks and crevices of your bed frame or mattress, so start by inspecting these areas. 
  • Clean your bedding in hot water, including your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. 
  • Vacuum your entire bedroom.
  • Use a natural insecticide like diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your bed and mattress. 

Conclusion

Bed bugs are tiny, but if you’re wondering – what do bed bugs look like to the human eye – they are still visible and typically appear brown or red in colour. If you think you may have bed bugs, it is important to inspect your home carefully. If you find them, be sure to call a professional exterminator right away.

FAQs

Can bed bugs be seen with the naked eyes?

If you’ve been wondering – can you see bed bugs with the naked eye? – the answer is – Yes. They can be seen with the naked eye. These small, brownish insects are about the size of an apple seed and feed on human blood.

What bug can be mistaken for bed bugs?

A few different bugs can be mistaken for bed bugs, typically baby cockroaches, as they are brown or black in colour and about the same size as bed bugs. 

Where do bed bugs hide on your body?

Bed Bugs typically feed off human blood, but they’re not; they aren’t adapted to live in your hair. However, you might spot them in your hair if they bite your scalp.

What is the main cause of bed bugs?

They usually come from used furniture and infested areas. But they can also reside in bulk luggage and accumulated items.

Will showering get rid of bed bugs?

Yes, showering can help get rid of bed bugs. Consider taking a hot shower, and wash your clothes in hot water. 


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Written by

Payal Singh
Content Writer
Bachelor's in English Literature and Health Sciences Previously wrote blog articles for various Doctors for their websites Familiarity with various content management systems and SEO best practices

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