Can you see bed bugs?

Due to their tiny size and ability to fit into almost every crack and crevice, bed bugs can be difficult to see.

So, can you see bed bugs? The answer is , yes, you can see bed bugs – adult bed bugs are roughly the same size as an apple seed, so they are possible to see with your naked eye. However, bed bugs get their name because they like to hide in mattress seams and bed frames. They are also very skilled at hiding in other places like plug points, head boards and other furniture. To top if off, they are also nocturnal! So if you can see bed bugs at your home or business during the day, then you may have a heavy bed bug infestation.

 

can you see bed bugs

Their hiding skills means it’s usually easier to spot signs of bed bugs instead of their physical presence. Most people do not realise they have a bed bug infestation until they wake up with itchy bites on their skin that weren’t there the day before. Other signs of bed bugs includes bloody or black fecal stains (dots) on bedding and clothes and translucent skins that they have shedded.

If you are unsure whether you have a bed bug infestation at your home or business, you can place bed bug monitors around the beds. These work by having a blood substitute on a sticky surface. This attracts bed bugs and you can expect to see them on the monitors in around a week if they are present. We have bed bug monitors available to order here or contact one of our experts today who will be happy to have a chat about your bed bug concerns!

How to indentify bed bugs

Bed bugs are small but have specific traits that distinguish them from other bugs. They are small, flat, and wingless insects that can be seen with the naked eye, but can easuly be cnfused with other bugs and beetles. To identify their characteristics accurately, consider the following:

  • Colour: Bed bugs can exhibit various shades of brown, ranging from translucent to dark reddish-brown.
  • Size: Adults typically measure about 4 to 5 millimeters in length, resembling an apple seed in shape and size.
  • Shape: Their bodies are oval and flattened, allowing them to easily hide in crevices and narrow spaces.
  • Movement: Although flightless, bed bugs are adept at crawling and can move quickly across surfaces.

Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, primarily active during the night when humans are sleeping, which often makes their presence harder to detect. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough inspections and consult us to address infestations promptly.

Our Tip: If you suspect a bed bug infestation, carefully examine the seams, folds, and edges of mattresses, as well as cracks and crevices near sleeping areas and if in doubt give one of our professionals a call to get some free advice.

Can you see bed bugs conclusion

The presence of bed bugs can be difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they can be seen if you know where to look. If in doubt bed bug monitors can be placed around the bed areas which can help to detect whether there are bed bugs.

Some Facts About Can You See Bed Bugs?

✅ Bedbugs are usually about the size of an apple seed, which is about 5 to 7 millimeters long. 

✅ Young bedbugs aren’t usually visible to the naked eye unless they’ve eaten recently. They’re usually very small and translucent to whitish-yellow in color.

✅ Bedbugs can be identified by their brown to reddish-brown color and oval-shaped or elongated body.

✅ Bedbugs leave behind red or rust-colored stains on bedsheets or mattresses when crushed, as well as dark dots of bedbug poop and small eggs or egg shells.

✅ Bedbugs can be found not only in beds but also in electrical sockets, furniture, curtain folds, drawer joints, loose wallpaper, and chair seams.

Find out more about about the fastest, most effective bed bug treatment available

If you think you have a bed bug infestation at your home or business, then it is very important to act fast. Bed bugs can live up to 12 months and lay over 500 eggs in this time- which gives them plenty of opportunities to multiply.

Remember, that bed bug treatments work best when infestations are detected early and are eradicated permanently. It’s always best to contact a professional company for bed bug treatments to ensure complete eradication. Our friendly bed bug heat treatment team will be happy to discuss your options and any questions you may have.

Living with bed bugs can be stressful and put a strain on your mental health- don't delay your bed bug heat treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see bed bugs? Bedbugs are small but you can see them. They range in colour from transparent to a dark reddish brown. Adults are roughly 4 to 5mm. They are very good at hiding, so look for telltale signs like rust coloured blood dots and shed skins on your furnishings, or bites on your body.

What causes bed bugs? Bed bugs can be found anywhere that humans live because they feed on human blood. This attracts them to any environment where they can hide out—with mattresses and upholstery the prime targets.

What are the signs that I have bed bugs? Bed bugs are difficult to identify in the early stages of their life cycles.  Most infestations are discovered due to bite marks and itching skin. Pest control professionals can usually identify droppings on bedding, uncover the places where the bugs hide and even smell the strong, sweet odours of a mature infestation.

How do I kill bed bugs? It can be hard to eradicate bedbugs completely. They are usually nocturnal and are very good at hiding. If you have seen the signs of bedbug activity, it is usually a sign of a serious infestation. Contact a professional to guarantee all bedbugs are killed permanently.

Preventing bed bugs from entering your home or business can be a challenge. They are usually picked up whilst travelling and are difficult to see. By taking small measures you can help prevent bed bug infestations. Read our page on how to prevent bed bugs for more information.

The problem with bed bug bites is that they can be easily confused with other insect bites. Each person bitten will react differently. Their bites are usually red and itchy. Take a look at our article what do bed bug bites look like for more information.

Where do bed bugs bite? The face, neck, arms, hands, legs, and feet are all common areas for bites. Bedbugs will bite any exposed skin.

Bed bugs are found in virtually any place people tend to gather. They remain as close to their host as possible and feed during the night, which is why you will usually get bitten whilst sleeping. Read more on where do bed bugs come from here.

How to get rid of bed bugs? Bedbugs cannot survive when exposed to temperatures above a certain threshold. Our bed bug heat treatment works to eliminate bedbugs by subjecting them to high temperatures.

can you see bed bugs Can you see bed bugs

Talk to us about Bed Bug Pest Control

Call us on 0808 189 2310 - or complete our Free Quote Form below.
Learn about our Bed Bug Pest Control Services

Have you tried to get rid of the problem?
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.