Why Can’t We See Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are nocturnal, so they are difficult to see by day. However, if your bed is infested, you may be able to feel a bite when you are awake. The bite is a light one and won’t wake you up. The most active time of day for these bugs is during the night, when they are least likely to be disturbed. People with sensitive skin and the elderly may not be able to detect these bugs by touch.
In addition to the bite, bed bugs lay eggs. These are tiny whitish, elongated capsules. They are spotted with a dark eye spot that is almost impossible to see without a microscope. This makes them difficult to detect, so the first step is to inspect the surrounding area. You should check your mattress, carpet, and furniture to see if bed bugs are present. They can also be found in electrical appliances.
Despite their small size, bed bugs feed every three to ten minutes. Often, you will not even see them feeding because they are so fast. During this time, they will feed on the closest body part to them, such as your neck, shoulders, arms, and even your stomach.
The appearance of bed bugs varies depending on their stage of development. Adult bed bugs are approximately the size of a pinhead, and the legs and antennae of the adult are visible. In addition, they have segmentation on their bodies. In fact, many people compare the appearance of the adult bedbug with an apple seed. The two bugs are similar in color and shape, though the apple seed is slightly smaller. Bedbug nymphs, on the other hand, are smaller and pale in color.