Are bed bugs visible to the naked eye?

Every time we lay in our beds and start to feel itchy, we try to figure out what caused it. Bed bugs are likely the cause. Some people who experience stings assume they are having some type of allergic reaction. Improper cleaning of bedding is one of the main causes of an infestation. But how do we know where to find them? Are we able to really see them?

Contrary to popular belief, bedbugs are visible. We hardly ever see them because they are usually active in the dark. During the night, they will climb on a person and feed on human blood. If disturbed, they will usually move quickly to find a dark area. During the day, the bugs can be found in the cracks or folds of a mattress. Their eggs are hard to see even though they look like grains of salt. These parasites are about 5 millimeters (1/4 inch) long and brown in color. They are often confused with dust mites. Dust mites are not visible to the naked eye. Vacuuming your bedding regularly can reduce the number of these vampire bugs that live in your bed.

Bed bugs can be best seen under a microscope. However, they are difficult to see with the naked eye as they avoid well-lit areas. What also makes them hard to see is the fact that bed bugs have flat bodies. The youngest, called nymphs, are smaller, lighter in color, and very difficult to see. If you are familiar with the areas where they hide, you will likely have a better chance of spotting them. If you can’t see them, you can also spot their signs, like shedding, blood stains on sheets, and even dark poop stains. Perhaps the best time to see these insects is during the pre-dawn hours, when it is still dark. Before sunrise, turn on a light near an area where they are believed to be present.

Bed bugs are small but can be killed. If you know where they are hiding, then you have a better chance of getting rid of them. While this may not be the permanent solution to the problem, it’s best to be prepared the next time you discover an infestation. While extermination services can be expensive, there are other ways to get rid of these bugs, such as using various cleaning chemicals like Lysol or commercially available sprays.