Can you see bed bugs?
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Are bed bugs visible?
Bed bugs have become a huge problem over the past few years as more and more people are travelling. These insects are very skilled when it comes to hiding and live sightings are often rare unless there is a heavy infestation.
Can you see bed bugs? The answer is , yes, you can see bed bugs – they are small in size, but they are not microscopic. It is however, a challenge to see as mostly they are active during the night and they have an unusual talent for hiding and flattening their bodies to fit into the tiniest spaces.
If you are unsure whether there are bed bugs present, you can place bed bug monitors around the bed. These act by using a blood substitute on a sticky surface- if there are bed bugs present you should see results within a week. Contact one of our experts today who will be able to assist you.
This is the size of a typical adult bed bug, if you suspect you have found a bed bug, send us a photo and we will identify the same day, free of charge.
What do bed bugs look like?
- Bed bugs are mahogany in colour and once they feed, they will turn a brown-reddish colour. However, young bed bugs (nymphs) are a clear yellow-white colour, and appear almost transparent. Young bed bugs are easier to see after they have eaten since they inflate and become red in colour.
- Bed bugs will reach a size of 5 to 7 millimetres or 0.2 inches. When they reach adult stage, they are around the size of a small apple seed.
- Female bed bugs have an oval-shaped body, while male bed bugs are more elongated.
- Bed bugs have a musty odour.
What are the signs of having bed bugs at home?
- Red marks with a bright centre on your skin. They usually locate on uncovered parts of your body. Clusters of these marks will feel itchy.
- Bloodstains on your bed sheets and bedding.
- Dark spots on your sheets, especially near the edges and folding of your bed.
- Sheds of translucent oval-shaped skin.
- A musty odour.
Whats Causes bed bugs?
Bed bugs are hitchhiking insects and can be found anywhere, although there are some places you should look more closely for them.
- Staying in hotels, B&B, friends and family houses etc. No matter how clean and well they are kept this is the most common causes of bed bugs which lead to infestations in your home.
- Bed bugs are found on public transport including buses, aircraft’s and trains.
- Visitors staying over can unknowingly bring bed bugs to your home. It’s recommended to wash all their bedding on the hottest temperature once they have departed.
- Bed bugs can come home with you from work – If someone in the work place has an bed bug infestation at home, they may transfer them to you whilst at work.
- Second hand furniture is a big cause of bed bugs at homes and premises and it is important to examine them closely for black streaks, shed insect casings, and blood stains.