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What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are small insects that are wingless, reddish-brown in color, and have flat, oval-shaped bodies that are the size of an apple seed. Their bodies are composed of three segments with six legs and two antennae at the top of their heads.
A quick rundown of the main characteristics that help identify bed bugs are:
- Red to brown in color
- Flat, oval bodies that appear larger after feeding
- Adults grow to be 5 mm long
- Eggs are white, oblong, and about 1 mm long
How Big Are Bed Bugs?
Even when fully grown, bed bugs are only about 5 mm in size. This is just about the size of an apple seed, which is why these pests can be so difficult to spot with the naked eye. After feeding, bed bugs can increase in size and even look more red in color due to the blood. Despite their small size and ability to hide in cracks and crevices, it is possible to spot bed bugs with a magnifying glass if you know where to look.
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Bed Bug Life Cycle
The life cycle of a bed bug begins with eggs followed by five larvae (or nymph) stages. Mattresses, headboards, furniture, wall cracks, baseboards, and floorboards are all common areas for females to lay their eggs. 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.
How to Identify Bed Bugs in Louisiana
Being able to identify bed bugs is a key part of stopping an infestation in its tracks. If you suspect these bugs have infested your home, it’s helpful to know what you’re looking for. Due to their small size, it’s recommended to use a magnifying glass to help identify them. It’s also a good idea to consult the help of a professional bed bug company in identifying bed bugs. Knowing what bed bugs look like can help you differentiate them from other pests in your home!