by developersWhat Do Bedbugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are a surprisingly common pest throughout Edinburgh and the UK, but many people don’t know what they look like.
At Edinburgh Environmental Services, we have extensive experience carrying out bed bug control for homes and businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians, so we understand bed bug identification and how to identify a bed bug infestation.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are parasitic, wingless insects that feed on human blood. As the name suggests, bed bugs are often found inside mattresses, bed frames and bedding, although they can also hide in soft furnishings, carpets and clothing.
As bed bugs feed on human blood, they can cause itchy bites that can lead to skin infections. In some cases, allergic reactions to bed bugs can cause severe health issues.
Also, the psychological impact of bed bugs can be serious, causing lack of sleep, stress and even symptoms similar to PTSD.
Bed Bug Identification At Every Life Cycle Stage
Bed bugs evolve throughout the space of several months to a year. Once the female bed bugs have laid eggs, these incubate and hatch into young nymphs. The nymphs go through several stages of growth before becoming adult bed bugs. Here’s how to identify bed bugs at all life cycle stages.
Adult Bed Bugs
Adult bed bugs are minuscule, at just 5–7 mm in length when fully-grown. When unfed, adult bed bugs are light brown, but once they’ve had a blood meal they become mahogany in colour.
If you are able to see them close up, adult bed bugs have flat, oval-shaped bodies with small antenna on their heads and 6 legs across their bodies.
Bed Bug Nymphs
Bed bugs nymphs range from 1 mm to 4.5 mm in length, and grow through several sizes between hatching from eggs and becoming adult bed bugs.
When the eggs hatch initially, the newborn nymphs are translucent in colour, and transform into pale yellow, then light brown, before becoming adult bed bugs.
Bed Bug Eggs
Bed bug eggs are just 1mm in size, and are white or pale yellow ovals that look similar to grains of rice. They are often found in sticky clusters, usually in mattress seams or duvets.
Females lay eggs year-round, as long as they have somewhere warm and safe, like inside your home, and the eggs hatch in 6 to 10 days.
Why It’s Hard To See Bed Bugs With The Naked Eye
The main reason bed bugs are so difficult to see with the naked eye is that they are so small. Adults reach just 5–7 mm in length, and are about the same size and shape as an apple seed.
Their natural colour also makes them difficult to see, especially against colourful furniture patterns or carpets.
Adult bed bugs can go into a dormant state, known as diapause, which is similar to hibernation. In cold temperatures or when they can’t find a blood meal, bed bugs can hide in tight, dark spots and lie dormant for several months, and it can be hard to see them.
Other Insects That Look Like Bed Bugs
The main species of insect that is often confused for bed bugs is fleas. Flea bites often look similar to bed bug bites, but unlike bed bugs, fleas jump and have strong hind legs. Also, while bed bugs can bite cats, dogs and other warm-blooded animals, humans are their preferred host. Fleas will bite most animals as well as humans, and so if you have pets and find bugs in their bedding, the most likely culprit is fleas.
Some other species that can be mistaken for bed bugs including bat bugs, booklice and even juvenile cockroaches. Tell tale signs of bed bugs are bites on exposed skin, particularly at night, and a distinctive musty smell.
If you’re unsure if you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation or another pest, contact your local pest control provider for expert help.
What To Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you find bed bugs inside your property, or notice other signs of bed bugs, such as bed bug bites, a musty smell or black specks on your bedding or mattresses, then you need professional treatment.
Because bed bugs can lie dormant for up to a year without a blood meal, it’s easy to think that the infestation is gone when it isn’t. Their strong ability to hide in tiny cracks and crevices throughout your home, including mattress seams, soft furniture and even behind loose wallpaper, is why DIY bed bug treatments are usually ineffective.
Thankfully, Edinburgh Environmental Services has the skills needed to eradicate any size bed bug infestation. Our team can provide one-off treatments for homes throughout Edinburgh, and also offer bed bug treatment as part of our commercial pest control services for businesses across all industries.
Alongside bed bugs, we can also eradicate all common pests, including rats, mice, squirrels, ants, birds and more. If you’re ready to get rid of bed bugs or other pests for good, contact us on 0131 560 6441 to get started.