Bed Bug Central
    
Bed Bugs 101

Free Bed Bug Travel Guide

Bed Bugs at College

Bed Bug Central TV

Bed Bug Newsletter
Bed Bug Handbook
The Complete Guide To
Bed Bugs And
Their Control
Click here to Order

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter
For Email Marketing you can trust
 

Browse Bed Bugs 101 by Topic:

Introduction History & Resurgence
Identification Biology & Behavior
Disease & Bite Symptoms Sanitation
Avoiding Infestations Early Detection
Protect Yourself When You Travel Elimination of Infestations
Mattress and Box Spring Encasements Canine Scent Detection
Challenges with Bed Bug Control Efforts Surrounding Units
How Do I Know I Have Bed Bugs? I Have Bed Bugs, Now What?
Should I Vacate the Structure? What Should I Do With My Bed?
Are Bed Bugs Difficult to Control? How Long Does It Take To Control Bed Bugs?
What Products Work Best? Additional Information
NEW! Comparison of Mattress Encasement Brands
 

Identification

KEY POINTS:
•    Eggs are pearly white and & only 1mm in length
•    First stage immature bed bugs are only 1mm in length
•    First stage immatures are pale in color and are somewhat translucent
•    Immature bugs go through five developmental stages becoming larger with each stage
•    Adult bed bugs are approximately 1/4” in length and are reddish-brown in color
 

Adult Bed Bug

Bed Bug Eggs

Immature Bed Bugs (start out 1 mm in length
and get larger with each developemnetal stage

Adult Bed Bug ~ 1/4 "


What do Bed Bugs look like? Adults are small, brownish insects, just under a 1/4” long and are relatively flat. They are nearly as wide as they are long, and oval in shape. Immature bed bugs (nymphs) resemble the adults, but are much smaller and lighter in color. Newly hatched nymphs are translucent and are no bigger than a pinhead (1 mm). After feeding on a blood meal the immature bed bugs may appear bright red in color. Bed bugs lack wings and therefore they do not fly, but they are capable of moving swiftly on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. The eggs are very small (approximately 1mm), whitish, and very difficult to see on most surfaces without magnification (individual eggs are about the size of a dust speck).

CONTENT COPYRIGHT ©2009 BED BUG CENTRAL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Rest Easy Bed Bug Luggage Spray