Picture Guide To Bed Bugs

What does a bed bug look like?

You may recognize this bug. It has been in the news quite a bit. But, what you may not know is that bed bugs don’t always look like the bug in this picture. This is an adult bed bug. When bed bugs first hatch, they don’t have this rust color, or a cuticle (skin) that is this opaque. Immature nymphs are transparent and mostly white in color. While they still have six legs, two antennae, and three body parts, they do not look anything like this adult bug. As immature nymphs grow into adults, they become light tan, brown, and then rust-colored.

What does a bed bug look like after feeding?

This is an immature nymph. As you can see, it is lighter in color and more transparent. But, not only is this an immature nymph, it is also a bed  bug that is feeding. That red coloring is blood inside the abdomen of the insect.

There are two things you should know most about this photo. The first has to do with scale. This immature nymph is about the size of the tip on a pen. That is really small. If this bug were feeding on your arm, it would only appear as a tiny red speck. The second thing you should know is that immature nymphs are the bugs you’re most likely to see feeding on you. Adults usually stay hidden until carbon dioxide levels in a room rise and they can feed under the cover of darkness.

What does an infestation look like?

If you have an infestation of bed bugs in your home, there are four things you’re going to see in the location of the infestation:

• Bed bugs shed their cuticles as they grow, so you will see these insect parts stuck to the fabric of your mattress or upholstered furniture.
• There should be tiny white eggs in batches, or littered about. These eggs are sticky and will also “stick” to fabric.
• Bed bugs leave blood staining. These stains are likely to be tan or dark brown.
• While you can’t see it in this image, you’re also going to see black patches of feces and tiny black droppings.

What does a bed bug bite look like?

When bed bugs first start to bite, these bites are usually small, and lack the significant rash that is associated with bites from adult bed bugs. They are also less likely to swell up like bites from an adult. Usually, depending on how tough your skin is, these bites won’t be much more than tiny red dots, but these dots will appear as rows or columns, more than random dots on the skin. They are also more likely to be above the waistline.

If you’re noticing signs of bed bugs in your home or business, it is time to call a professional. Bed bugs are one of the most difficult bugs to eradicate–even for some pest control companies.

Here at ChemTec Pest Control, these bugs are no trouble at all. In fact, our team is so good at getting rid of bed bugs we offer a 6-month guarantee. If you see bed bugs within 6 months of treatment, we’ll return for a targeted re-treatment at no cost to you. That is bed bug protection you can trust.

We also offer year round proactive control for bed bugs. If you own a business that relies on an environment that is free of bed bugs, this service should be a part of your pest plan. For more information, contact us today to set up an appointment. Our team of experts is waiting to assist you.