How Big Are Bed Bugs?

Are Bed Bugs Big Enough to See?

Since the size of an adult bed bug is similar to an apple seed, most people can see the pests without magnification. However, because these insects are nocturnal and cryptic, they are experts at avoiding detection. Bed bugs feed while humans are asleep, so residents typically have to rely on other signs to notice an infestation.

How Big are Bed Bug Nymphs?

Juvenile, first stage nymph bed bugs are about the size of a pinhead and have translucent bodies. These nymphs gain color after feeding, but they are hard to see before a blood meal. It takes around six weeks of molting until the pests reach their adult bed bug size, so populations often grow unchecked.

Can a Bed Bug's Actual Size Change?

The average adult bed bug size ranges from 1/4 to 3/16 of an inch in length. Their flat, wide bodies look significantly bigger after they've taken a blood meal, so a bed bug's actual size varies depending on whether the pests have fed. Once engorged, the pest's body expands into a longer, more cylindrical shape.

Controlling Infestations

In addition to a bed bug's small size and feeding schedule, the insects breed quickly. As a result, infestations easily get out of hand. Homeowners with concerns about bed bugs can call Orkin for professional removal.