If you are concerned about bedbugs, you may be wondering what they look like. In general, bedbugs are oval-shaped insects that are about the size of a poppy seed. The adult bugs grow to about 0.25 inches long. They are flat and oval-shaped when not feeding, but they can be more or less visible to the naked eye. Their preferred habitat is soft furniture and dark areas.
Adult female bedbugs lay their eggs in secluded locations and deposit one to two eggs each day. They may lay hundreds of eggs during their lifetime. Bedbug eggs look like tiny dust specks and are sticky when first laid. The eggs hatch within a week at room temperature. They are accompanied by tiny nymphs that shed their skin five times before reaching maturity.
While bedbugs look similar to fleas, they are different in many ways. Although they have the same blood appetite, fleas are not parasitic on humans. Fleas are similar in appearance and may bite you if you come into contact with them. You can also check your home for fleas by checking the areas where your pets sleep.
Bedbugs typically live in the corners of mattresses, mattress cords, and electrical sockets. They produce a musty odor that is characteristic of their fecal material. In addition, bedbugs produce welts that look similar to other types of itchy bug bites. While these welts are not the only signs of bedbug infestation, they are the first signs that you should be concerned about.