Bed bugs are oval-shaped, flat bugs that are about the size of an apple seed and are usually red to brown. Their bodies have three portions with a total of six legs and two antennae at the top of their head.
The main characteristics of bed bugs are:
- Eggs are white, oblong, and about 1 mm long
- Reddish-brown in color
- Adults grow to be 5 mm long
- Flat bodies that may appear engorged after feeding
How Big are Bed Bugs?
Adult bed bugs can grow to be 5 mm long or about the size of an apple seed. On average, the adult bed bug ranges from 1/4 to 3/16 of an inch. If they have recently fed, their size may vary as they will appear engorged. When a blood meal has taken place, the bug will appear more red, slightly longer, and more cylindrical. Adult bed bugs usually hide out of plain view and only come out at night but can be visible to the human eye if they are encountered.
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Bed Bug Life Cycle
The bed bug life cycle includes bed bug eggs followed by five larvae (or nymph) stages. 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 Identification in Florida
It is important to know what bed bugs look like as they are easily mistaken for other bugs. Since they are relatively small and discrete, it is recommended that you use a magnifying glass to observe the bed bug to help with identification. Should bed bugs be difficult to identify or become a nuisance in your home, it is wise to consult the help of a professional bed bug company. Knowing how to distinguish different bugs in your home can help you eradicate any ongoing infestations that may be taking place!
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