If asked, “What do bed bugs look like?” some of us would picture a tiny blood sucker creeping into our beds at night, determined to bite us while we sleep. Others would remember waking up in the morning with sore red bumps on their bodies. In fact, the signs of infestation are more readily evident than actual bed bug sightings. In other words, you will probably see bites and blood smears before you see a bug.
When it comes to playing hiding games, bed bugs are top level performers. In addition, young bugs and mature bugs have a different look. Also, the eggs are tiny and white. As a result, they can be hard to find.
Dealing with a bug problem, we need positive proof. But, many of us do not know what to look for. Although the bugs hide themselves, if you see one, with a little information, you can identify if you have a bed bug.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Eggs – While visible to the naked eye, these tiny white eggs are best identified by a professional. But, these poppy seed sized eggs are easily seen by the homeowner with a magnifying glass.
Nymphs – These baby bugs go through five shedding stages before they become adults. During these stages, they are light and translucent in color unless they have just fed. In that case, they will be blood red. Also, because of their numerous stages of development, nymphs come in many different sizes.
Adult Bed Bugs – The final stage, an adult, looks like a baby cockroach or a beetle. In size, adult bugs are comparable to apple seeds. As a rule, they are light brown in color. Also, bed bugs are plump after eating and flat when not fed.
Signs of Infestation
- Red bumps from bites
- Nymph exoskeleton cast
- Poppy seed sized white eggs
- Red or black smears from blood
- Dark spots like a pen mark from poop
Bugs often misidentified as bed bugs:
- Fleas
- Book Louse
- Carpet Beetle
If you suspect you have bed bugs in the Oklahoma City Area, contact Oklahoma Bed Bug Pro now. Our trained technicians will evaluate your home and remove them with our proven heat elimination system.