As tiny nymphs, bed bugs are about 1/10 of an inch long. They are flat, oval-shaped insects with six legs. These nymphs have pale white, mostly transparent skin. When they feed, their bodies turn red because the blood becomes visible through their skin. As they grow, they gradually shift in color—first tan, then reddish-brown—passing through five instars and eventually reaching about ⅕ of an inch in length.
Adult bed bugs resemble apple seeds in shape and size. In most lighting, they appear black due to the dark fecal matter inside their bodies, which affects their external coloration. While less transparent than nymphs, adults still maintain some translucence.
Bed bug bites often appear in a trail due to the insect’s bite-crawl pattern. This behavior creates lines or zig-zag patterns of closely grouped bites.
No. Bed bugs can't jump like fleas or fly like mosquitoes. Instead, they crawl—often climbing on furniture to reach you.
Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood and strongly prefer human blood. They rely on us for survival and reproduction. As a result, keeping your home clean won’t deter them—they’re not drawn to filth, only to people.
Bed bugs aren't known to spread disease in real-world settings, although laboratory studies show they can carry pathogens. In practice, there are no documented cases of bed bugs transmitting diseases to humans. However, they can negatively impact well-being in several ways:
Addressing an infestation quickly is crucial.
As mentioned earlier, bed bugs don’t fly or jump, but they also don’t typically crawl into homes from outside. They are indoor insects and don’t live in yards. The only way they typically enter a home is through passive dispersal—hitching rides on objects.
In multi-unit buildings like duplexes or apartments, bed bugs can move between units. More commonly, they’re transported accidentally. For example, bed bugs are drawn to the scent of clothing that has touched human skin. When you pack a suitcase, everything inside can carry your scent, which attracts bed bugs. If they crawl into your luggage while you're away, you might bring them home unknowingly.
Bed bugs prefer tight spaces close to their food source—your blood. They often hide in:
Although they mostly bite at night, bed bugs will feed during the day if needed. That’s why beds, couches, and chairs are common hiding places.
The most common sign of a bed bug infestation is waking up with multiple itchy bites. However, other pests like fleas can also cause similar symptoms. A visual inspection is necessary. Look for:
You may also notice a distinct odor. Some people say bed bug pheromones smell like coriander.
The best course of action is to hire a pest control company that specializes in bed bug control. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate due to their resilience and adaptability. Reach out to The Pied Piper for help in Tulsa or the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
The most effective way to prevent bed bugs is to stop them from hitching a ride into your home. Take proactive measures:
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