Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

bed bug (drawing)

Bed bugs are pretty easy to distinguish from other insects that you may find around homes. First, since bed bugs can't fly they are confined to areas near the floor and often close to places where people sleep. You won't find bed bugs crawling across the floor or flying around a light! Second, bed bugs are large enough to be easily seen, about 1/4" as adults, and are a distinctive chestnut brown color.

Take a look at this page for close-up pictures of bed bugs actually feeding.


bed bug hiding places, bites

Bed bugs hide during daylight hours in cracks and crevices around bedding and in folds of mattresses. These areas will also generally show dark stains caused by their fecal matter (digested blood, see drawing below). Finally, bed bug bites look like bad mosquito bites on most people. Some people, however, don't show the characteristic bites and some lucky folks hardly react at all.

nearly full grown bed bug ~ 1/4"

If bed bugs are found they can generally be managed with simple control methods so long as the infestation is caught at an early stage.

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