Understanding What Bed Bugs Look Like

The first step in determining if you’re dealing with bedbugs is to understand what they look like. Bedbugs can be as small as one mm and can change appearance as they mature. You need to understand how to spot them in all stages of development to prevent infestation. Here are a few signs to look for.

First, you may notice red welts on the skin. These welts are caused by bedbugs feeding on your skin. They can also cause a musty smell. If there are large numbers of these insects in your home, you may notice a musty or moldy odor. You may also see small black spots along the seam of your mattress. These stains are the excrement of the bugs that feed on the blood of the host.

Adult bedbugs are small and have six legs. They have a long segmented beak that they use to pierce human skin. While resting, the beak points backward between the legs. Nymph bedbugs are slightly yellow or translucent, and molt five times. They will gradually turn brown after feeding. Newly-hatched nymphs are about the size of a head of pin. Nymphs are similar to adult bed bugs, but are much smaller and straw-colored.

Bedbugs are not dangerous, but can cause a lot of emotional and physical stress. It is recommended that you call a professional if you suspect that you have a bedbug infestation in your home. A Western Exterminator will be able to perform a thorough inspection.