Can You See Bed Bugs?

Yes, you can see adult bed bugs, if you know what to look for but they are small. All five life stages of bed bugs can be found where bed bug activity exists. Bed bug eggs are tiny, white, and appear in clusters that are difficult to see. Bed bug nymphs need a blood meal in order to reach maturity, so when they are fed, they have a white and red or rusty brown appearance, measuring about 5 mm or 1/20” (about the size of a pinhead). Adult bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed and measure about ¼”. Bed bug bodies consist of a beak and three segments.

Because bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans as they sleep, the most tell-tale signs of bed bug activity will appear as red and brown spots on mattresses and/or in mattress creases and piping as well as in upholstered headboards. In severe infestations, bed bug excrement and molted shells can even be found on draperies, upholstered furniture, and electronics, as well.

Nocturnal creatures, bed bugs hide under mattresses and within creases, tufts, and folds during the day which can make them difficult to spot. Both female and male bed bugs need a blood meal to reproduce. All mature bed bugs, when unfed, are flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown. Once fed (with blood), bed bugs turn bright red and swell to three times their size, returning to a reddish-brown color after several days.

If you have seen bed bugs in your West Florida home or suspect a bed bug problem in your home, call the professionals at Pestwise immediately. This is a problem that must be addressed as soon as possible, and there is not an effective DIY (Do-it-Yourself) remedy. Our pest control experts are well versed in bed bug control practices.