Bed bugs are a real nuisance if you have them in your home, but one of the things many people are unsure of is what these insects look like, their shape, their appearance and to know what size they grow to. Before calling a pest control expert, how do you know bedbugs have invaded you home or room and not something else that looks like bed bugs, such as other types of beetle? And of course if you have never seen one before you may wonder how to identify them.

What do bed bugs appear like to the human eye?

The first things to look out for is bug bite marks on the skin and other possible symptoms before assuming a bug invasion. A correct identification is necessary for the proper treatment needed, if any. If you or one of your children have bites like the picture below, and they are sore and itchy, it could well be the result of bedbugs. It’s always best to check with a doctor just to make sure it isn’t some other condition. See the bed bug pictures and photos below to get an idea of signs to watch for. Check out my other post about baby bed bugs and what to look out for.

Picture of bed bug bites

A bed bug will tend to show up as dark brown color, and so are quite easy to spot against a whole bed sheet or duvet. Check out my other post on the question, does lavender oil repel bed bugs.



If you do suspect an infestation, you will need to turn over all your bedding, duvet covers, pillow cases and all around the mattress. This photo shows how bed bugs appear on bed covers.

Pictures of bed bugs on mattress

Check out my other post on how to get rid of beg bugs fast.

What size are Bed Bugs?

Well it depends. Bed bugs grow significantly though their life cycle and can start off quite small from the nymph stage before becoming adult bed bugs. After feeding on human blood, they can also swell to about twice normal bed bug size during their life cycle. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies compared to the babies. Also they lay eggs which are a bit harder to see and much smaller, sometimes found on the skin.





Bed bug size comparison

The images below will give you a sense of scale and beg bug sizes next to a person’s fingernail.

Bed bugs pictures actual size

Bed bug nymphs can appear the one in the picture below.

So how do I know if I have bed bugs?

If you look carefully, you will be able to find signs of bed bugs around your house. The bed bugs, if they have fed recently, will appear as a brown or reddish color, as they feed on human blood and have quite a flat shape. The bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. You might also find bed bug eggs, which are a white color and are a smaller size than a grain of rice. The nymphs are harder to see as they have transparent bodies, but can appear white.

Check out the SayByeBugs Bed Bug Spray. Many people report it to be very effective.

Treatment options for bed bugs

If you do find any, you will need to treat the infestation thoroughly to remove of all the bedbug eggs, nymphs and adults, to prevent them returning. For a light infestation, you may get away with just washing all the bed coverings.However, for a bad infestation, you might need to throw all your bedding in the bin and replace your mattress too. If it is a devan bed, these insects can also live inside the bed, so best to replace everything if necessary. It is also well worth checking all your clothing as a bed bug can transport itself on clothes too. Also, it may be worth while calling in a professional pest control company who have experience with insects infestation. Find out about the eco defense bug spray.

FAQs

Are bed bugs visible to the eye?

If you know what to look for, such as some of the signs mentioned above, then you will be able to see bed bugs with the naked eye. They vary in size, but depends on where they are in their life cycle. Typically, bed bug nymphs will be smaller than a fully fed adult bed bug. A bed bug that has eaten a blood meal, will be bigger than a regular one. On average though, they appear about the size of an apple seed. The adult insects have a flat body shape compared to the nymphs, especially after they feed.

Are bed bug eggs hard?

No, they are in fact quite soft and you can squeeze them with your fingers. However, they may be difficult to pick up as they have a sticky substance that makes the eggs stick to surfaces.

What do bed bugs look like on a mattress?

Bed bugs on a mattress will tend to appear dark in color against the backdrop of a light colored mattress and other objects around your home. The bed bugs may appear like little black seeds, as shown in the photograph above, with the adult bed bugs a bit larger.

If you found this post on how big are bed bugs helpful, then…check out other related posts on our site –

Do bed bugs bite the scalp?

Can bed bugs live in hair?

Do bed bugs smell?

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