What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Some may be under the impression that you cannot see bed bugs with the human eye. This is not the case, however. The bugs are allusive and small in size, but if you know where and how to look, you can see and identify them based on their color, shape and size. If you think you may have a bed bug problem, you will want to know what bed bugs look like to determine how to best remedy the problem.

Where to Find Bed Bugs

Before you start looking for live bugs, you need to know where you might find these pesky intruders. Some areas might include:

In your bedding
Crevices or seams of your mattress or box spring
Other upholstered items around your home
Carpet or drapes that are close to infected areas
Outlets, baseboards or cracks in the drywall

Now that you know where to look, you need to know what the bugs look like at each stage of their life cycle in order to identify them accurately.

Eggs

The eggs of bed bugs are important to identify since these must be killed in order to stop the life-cycle of an infestation. Bed bug eggs, while tiny, are visible to the naked eye. They are about the size of a pinhead and resemble the shape of rice and are pearly white.

Baby Bed Bugs

An immature bed bug, or nymph, is the hardest live bug to find and identify. These are very small and have a translucent whitish color. They may mature as quickly as under a month and can procreate three or more generations in a year.

Adult Bed Bugs

Mature bed bugs are a little larger, about the size of an apple seed. They are brownish-red in color and have an oval-shaped, flat body. After feeding, they swell a bit, making them a little larger than their normal size. They have no wings and a protective exoskeleton that make it more difficult for them to squish and kill.

Other Signs of Bed Bugs

Looking for live bugs or eggs is not the only way to know if you have a bed bug problem. The creatures leave behind other pieces of evidence to reveal an issue.

Bloodstains on your bedding or mattress
Fecal remains on sheets
Skin that has been shed by the molting insects
Bites on the skin. These are typically red, raised and itchy and often in a line or zig-zag pattern.
Musty odor

If you suspect you may have bed bugs, the first step is to thoroughly check your mattress, box spring and bedding for live bugs and other evidence. Make sure to look in the crevices and seams as the bugs like to remain discreet. Check outlets and baseboards for any signs of the bugs. Also remember to check you and your family’s skin for unusual bites that resemble what we described above.

The treatment of bed bugs can begin with a thorough cleaning of the bedding and other areas of the home. If the infestation is advanced, however, an expert can devise a plan to treat and prevent future outbreaks in your home. If you find what looks like bed bugs, contact the professionals at Trio Pest Control to provide you with a consultation today.

Debbie Faulk

2022-11-09

Richard was amazing. He explained everything to me. He was so patient with all my questions. I had a lot!! I can’t say enough about him. Very very nice. They have my business for life!! Thank you so very much!

Susie Neesen

2022-08-25

Technician was very knowledgeable. Infested with fleas, never had them before, service was provided about 10 days ago have only seen one. Have been vaccuuming every day as instructed. Also had our back yard sprayed , the house next to us has been empty since February, grass only cut once, grass is about a foot tall. Don't know where they came from that house or where. Would definitely recommend them.

Daniel Wilson

2022-08-11

Good experience. Didn't charge to evaluate my concern. Gave helpful advice and was friendly and professional the whole time.

Brooke Burgos

2022-07-26

Knowledgeable and quick to help solve your issues.

Mickey Schilling-Morris

2022-07-09

Friendly professional and upfront. I was in a bind, thanks to a different extermination company. Trio responded immediately and corrected the situation within days. They earned my future business.

Whitney Pflanzer

2022-06-08

From the first phone call, I was impressed with Trio’s professionalism and friendliness. The technician, Richard, was wonderful - very knowledgeable and open to our suggestions about how we preferred to treat our bee problem. Great customer service, promptness and overall excellent experience! Will use them again (though I hope I never have to!).

Tori Elston

I highly recommend Trio Pest Control. I had phenomenal service from Trio Pest Control from the moment I called to inquire to the moment my tech, Richard, left post treatment. The gentleman I spoke with during my initial inquiry call was so helpful in breaking down the value of what I was paying for and what to expect in the short and long term of pest control treatment. Was very kind and helpful when answering my questions and concerns. My tech, Richard, called in advance and showed up when he said he would and at the beginning of the allotted time I had scheduled (showed up around noon for a 12-2 appt frame). I was totally flexible either way since I work from home but it was considerate of him to call and be on time. Was also very knowledgable and helpful. I even called before the morning of my appointment to confirm standard procedures on having pets in the home during and after treatment. The person I spoke with was very kind and helpful answering my questions. Will happily use Trio in the future and highly recommend their services.

Hannah Craft

2022-06-04

Got Trio out to do basic pest control. They communicated well and he was very friendly. He did a great job!

Katie Collins

2022-05-20

I’ve used Trio two different times over a period of three years for ants. They did a great job inside the house and around the perimeter of the patio. Would use them again.

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