The first step and the most crucial step in controlling bedbugs is to how to identify them. In other words, knowing what they look like is an essential step in combating bedbug’s infestation in your property. It is common to see some bugs and mistake them for bed bugs; almost everyone has fallen for that at one time or the other. It is important to acquaint yourself with the appearance of bed bugs, so you can quickly identify and distinguish them from other bugs.
Bedbugs appearance (Cimex Lectularius L.)
Adults appearance.
- They have the size of an average apple seed. They measure between 5-7 mm long or 3/16- 1/4 inch long.
- They are often long with flat bodies.
- When they feed, they become reddish-brown with an oval shape.
- They are classified as true bugs because they possess characteristics of true bugs
Nymphs (Young bed bugs) appearance.
- Smaller in stature, often translucent in color.
- They can be difficult for the naked eye to see because of their color and size.
Eggs appearance
- They are tiny and have a small size like that of a pinhead.
- Their color is pearl white.
- They are marked by an eye spot when they are above five days old
Bed bug life cycle
The life cycle of the bedbug is well displayed in the picture below. In its entire lifetime, the bed bug goes through the stages from top left (egg), moving in a counterclockwise direction before finally reaching the adult stage.
- Egg
- The first stage of nymph (measuring 1.5mm)
- The second stage of nymph (measuring 2mm)
- The third stage of nymph (measuring 2.5mm)
- The fourth stage of nymph (measuring 3mm)
- The fifth stage of nymph (measuring 4.5mm)
- Unfed female adult
- Unfed male adult