Bed bugs are tiny insects, making it hard to identify them. They are red or brown in color, and oval-shaped. They have three body segments with six legs and two antennae.
A few of the defining bed bug characteristics include the following.
- Reddish-brown in color
- Flat bodies that may appear engorged after feeding
- Adults grow to be 5 mm long
- Eggs are white, oblong, and about 1 mm long
How Small Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, making it hard to notice one unless they’re all grouped together. On average, the adult bed bug ranges from ¼ to 3/16 of an inch. This is just about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs can grow slightly larger when they feed on someone. After a blood meal, the bed bug body will appear slightly longer, more cylindrical, and more red. Adult bed bugs are visible to the human eye even though they tend to hide out of view. It is best to always investigate with a magnifying glass.
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Life Cycle of a Bed Bug
Bed bugs lay their eggs in mattresses, furniture, wall cracks, baseboards, and floorboards. These eggs are white, oblong, and only about 1 mm long. Nymphs look like miniature versions of the adult bed bug. After blood meals, the bed bug nymph will shed its exoskeleton several times before maturing into an adult bed bug.
Bed Bug Appearance in Wisconsin
Bed bugs are frequently mistaken for other types of bugs. For this reason, it’s important to learn what sets them apart from other insects. Because they can be hard to see, it’s recommended to use a magnifying glass to help identify them. Otherwise, it’s wise to consult the help of a professional bed bug company that has expertise in identifying bed bugs by their appearance and habits alike.
