From disrupting sleep to causing itchy bites, bed bugs can quickly turn a comfortable home into a nightmare. Time is crucial when dealing with bed bugs; identifying them can help you act quickly. If left untreated, bed bugs can quickly spread from mattresses, bedding, and luggage throughout your home and even to the homes of others.

Read on to learn more about bed bugs, including their behavior, appearance, preferred habitat, and the pests they’re often confused with.

anatomy of bed bug illustration

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are small insects with flat, oval-shaped bodies, six legs, and two antennae. We’re often asked, “Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?” The answer is yes! Adults typically measure between a quarter and 3/16 of an inch long. They’re about the size of an apple seed.

magnified bed bug

What color are bed bugs?

What do bed bugs look like as they progress through their life cycle? As they mature, their size and color change.

  • 1. Egg: Bed bug eggs are tiny, oval-shaped, and white. They resemble a grain of rice.

  • 2. Nymph: Nymphs are translucent or pale yellow and become darker as they feed on blood.

  • 3. Adult: Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown. They typically appear more engorged and reddish after they have fed on blood.

The bed bug picture below shows examples of what these pests look like as they grow.

bed bug eggs

How to identify different species of bed bugs

What do bed bugs look like amongst the species? A bed bug's appearance can vary slightly depending on the species, but many share the same general characteristics. There may be slight variations in size, color, and other physical features.

Determining which bed bug species is in your home typically requires a closer examination by a trained entomologist or pest control professional. Some differences, like habitat and preferred host, can help you narrow down the species.

Cimex lectularius (Common bed bug):

Cimex lectularius is found worldwide, particularly in temperate climates. This bed bug species typically feeds on human blood, has an oval-shaped body, and is reddish-brown. They are found in residential homes, hotels, dormitories, buses, trains, and other human dwellings.

Cimex hemipterus (Tropical bed bug):

The tropical and common bed bugs look very similar and have similar life cycles. The main difference between the two is their habitat. While the common bed bug is found worldwide, the tropical bed bug is limited to tropical regions. In the United States, Cimex hemipterus is mainly restricted to Florida, however, its range is expanding, and it feeds on humans and animals. 

Cimex adjunctus (Bat bug):

This related species looks extremely similar to the above bed bugs and can be difficult to distinguish without a close examination. Cimex adjunctus is found in areas where bats roost, such as attics, caves, abandoned buildings, and tree hollows. It prefers bats as hosts but will feed on humans as a last resort.

Consulting a professional for bed bug identification is recommended for peace of mind.

What do bed bugs look like in your home?

Signs of bed bugs in your home can include: 

  • Bed bug exoskeletons: Finding discarded exoskeletons (cast skins) around your sleeping area or in other hiding spots can indicate an infestation.

  • Blood stains on bedding: After feeding, bed bugs may leave behind small blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases.

  • Fecal spots: Bed bug feces appear as small, dark spots on bedding, mattresses, or nearby furniture.

  • Musty odor: A musty or sweet odor can sometimes indicate an infestation and should prompt further bed bug identification efforts.

  • Bed bug bites: Waking up with red welts or clusters of bites can indicate bed bug bites. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, and further inspection is warranted to confirm their presence.

  • Spread to other areas: Bed bugs are great hitchhikers and can quickly migrate from infested mattresses, bedding, or suitcases to different parts of your home.

Can you see bed bugs in other areas of your home? Bed bugs hide in cracks, crevices, and other secluded areas during the day and emerge at night to feed on human blood.

bed bugs in mattress crevice of a mattress

What bugs can be mistaken for bed bugs?

It can be challenging to identify if bed bugs are present because they're nocturnal, and their bites can resemble those of other pests. What do bed bugs look like compared to scabies, fleas, and ticks? 

Bed bugs vs. scabies

Bed bugs and scabies both can cause skin irritation and are more active at night. Bed bugs are insects that feed on blood, while scabies are caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin. Bed bug bites typically occur on exposed areas of the body, while scabies rashes develop in areas where the mites have burrowed.

Bed bugs vs. fleas

Bed bugs and fleas both feed on blood, cause skin irritation, and leave behind similar bite marks. What does a bed bug look like compared to a flea? A key difference is that bed bugs have flat bodies and cannot jump or fly, while fleas have narrow bodies adapted for jumping.

Bed bugs vs. ticks

Bed bugs and ticks are both tiny, blood-feeding parasites that can bite humans and animals. However, ticks are arachnids with a more rounded body shape and are commonly found outdoors, while bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped insects that typically feed at night and are often found in indoor environments.

Bed bugs vs. German cockroach nymphs

Bed bugs are often confused with German cockroach nymphs because they are similar in size and color in their early stages, are attracted to human activity, hide in similar places, and are primarily nocturnal feeders. However, German cockroach nymphs have a more elongated, oval-shaped body compared to the wider, oval form of bed bugs. Another giveaway is the antennae. Bed bugs have short, stubby antennae, whereas German cockroach nymphs have long, thread-like antennae that are constantly moving.

What to do if you’ve identified bed bugs

Can you see bed bugs in your home? There are several immediate steps you can take:

  • Vacuum any areas where you have seen bed bugs, including carpets, all sides of furniture, and mattress seams. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed plastic bag immediately after vacuuming. A steamer is also an effective tool to kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact.

  • Run bedding, clothing, and linens through the dryer on the highest heat setting to kill bed bugs and their eggs, and then launder items as usual.

  • Contact a licensed pest control professional to remove bed bugs at all life stages 

Bed bugs are not easy pests to get rid of on your own. DIY attempts can worsen an infestation, and you must act quickly to prevent it from spreading. If you notice any signs of bed bugs, schedule an inspection with Terminix’s expert technicians today. They will thoroughly inspect your home, create a tailored bed bug control plan, and help prevent them from returning.