What Do Bed Bugs Look Like in Greenville, SC?

Understanding what bed bugs look like is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. There are many different species of bed bugs throughout the world, but here in Greenville, you will likely encounter the common bed bug, also known as “Cimex lectularius.” Read on to learn what they look like.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects with flat, oval-shaped bodies. Here are some key features of what bed bugs look like:

• Body Structure: Bed bugs have a flattened body, which allows them to hide in cracks and crevices. After feeding, their body becomes more elongated and swollen.
• Antennae: They have short, segmented antennae on their heads.
• Legs: Bed bugs have six legs that are relatively short but well-adapted for crawling on various surfaces.
• No Wings: Unlike some other insects, bed bugs do not have wings, so they cannot fly.

Due to their small size and ability to hide in tiny cracks and crevices, bed bugs are excellent at evading detection. They are mainly active at night and are attracted to the heat and carbon dioxide emitted by sleeping humans, which is why they often infest areas around beds and other sleeping areas.

What Color Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are typically reddish-brown in color. However, their color can vary depending on factors such as age and whether they have recently fed on blood. Here are some color variations of bed bugs.

How Small Are Bed Bugs? 

Adult bed bugs typically measure about 4 to 5 millimeters in length. To give you a visual reference, they are roughly the size of an apple seed or a grain of rice. Due to their small size, bed bugs are adept at hiding in small cracks, crevices, and other tight spaces, which makes them challenging to detect and eliminate.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites can vary in appearance from person to person, but they generally share some common characteristics. Here's what bed bug bites often look like:

• Red, Itchy Bumps: Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, raised bumps on the skin. They can be singular or in clusters, and they are often itchy.
• Bite Pattern: Bed bug bites often occur in a linear or zigzag pattern, as the bugs may bite multiple times in a row while feeding.
• Delayed Reaction: The reaction to bed bug bites may not be immediate. Some people may not notice any symptoms for several days after being bitten.
• Common Bite Locations: Bed bug bites often occur on exposed skin areas while sleeping, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. However, bites can also appear on covered areas.
• No Bump or Blisters: Unlike mosquito bites, bed bug bites do not usually have a central bump or blister in the middle.

It's important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. While some people may have mild reactions with little or no itching, others may experience more significant discomfort and intense itching. Additionally, some individuals may not show any visible signs of bed bug bites at all.

How Long Do Bed Bug Bites Take to Show Up?

Bed bug bites typically take a few days to show up on the skin after the actual bite occurs. The time it takes for the bites to become noticeable can vary depending on the individual's reaction to the bites and other factors, such as skin sensitivity or the feeding behavior of the bed bugs.

Get Professional Bed Bug Treatment in Greenville, SC

If you’re located in Greenville and noticing signs of bed bugs, call ProCore! Our Greenville bed bug exterminators are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and proven methods to tackle bed bug infestations head-on. Don’t share your space with these insects anymore; contact us today.