What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

We're guessing that if you're asking 'what do bed bugs look like?' it's because you're concerned that you may have them. To the untrained eye, bed bugs look a lot like other bugs, which doesn't help. Adult bed bugs are oval shaped, reddish brown and generally around 1/4 to 3/16 of an inch long. They can, at times, be a bit darker than the one in the bed bug picture seen here.

If they have just fed (on you!), they will balloon up a bit, otherwise they are quite flat. As with other insects, they have six legs and a pair of antennae. There are ridges running sideways the full length of their abdomen, which may be harder to see when they are engorged with blood.

Check out our gallery of Bed Bug Pictures and bed bug bites images to help with identification. If you think you may have bed bugs, be proactive as the problem can escalate very quickly. Bed bug mattress covers are essential because they will protect your mattress, box springs and pillows and save you money. The use of bed bug traps will to help determine if you have them and how well established they may be. Traps will help you determine if you need to call a professional out to take a look and possibly to provide a quote to get rid of bed bugs.