Bed bugs are a common problem many homeowners come across in Florida. No matter, how clean your home is, these creepy, tiny bed bugs can live anywhere which makes them a common worry. Most of the people know what adult bed bugs look like but not as many are familiar with their young ones: baby bed bugs, or nymphs.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about baby bed bugs; from what they look like and how they behave to the signs that they’re hiding somewhere in your home.
What Do Baby Bed Bugs Look Like?
Baby bed bugs are also known as nymphs, and they look exactly same as their adult bed bugs but are smaller in size and their color is light as compared. Let’s look at some of their characteristics to have a better idea of their appearance.
Size
As soon as they are hatched, they are almost 1mm in length. But as they start growing through different stages, they reach up to 4-5 mm.
Color
When they first emerge, nymphs are almost translucent or whitish-yellow in color. However, after their first blood meal, they turn a reddish-brown color.
Shape
Baby bed bugs have a flat oval shaped body, six legs and two antennae like their adult counter parts.
Once you get to know how baby bed bugs look like, you would be able to find out the infestation in your home before it becomes worse.
Bed Bug Life Cycle: How baby bed bugs grow!
The bed bug life cycle consists of three main stages: egg, nymph (baby bed bug), and adult. Unlike many other insects, bed bugs do not go through a larval stage, skipping directly from egg to nymph.
Eggs
Bed bug eggs are tiny and white in color. They’re sticky, so they easily stick to hidden spots like mattress seams and bed frames, making them hard to find.
Nymph (Baby Bed Bug)
Once the eggs hatch, the baby bed bugs also known as Nymphs, emerge. These nymphs go through five molts, or growth stages, shedding their exoskeleton after each blood meal. This process is necessary for them to reach adulthood.
Adults
After their final molt, bed bugs have now become fully mature adults. Now, they are 5-7 mm in length and have a dark reddish-brown color.
It’s important to note that because bed bugs do not have a true larval stage, nymphs and adults share similar appearances, with size and coloration being the primary differences.
Do Baby Bed Bugs Bite?
Yes, they do! In fact, each stage of their life cycle requires a blood meal to progress. Here’s what you should know about baby bed bug bites:
Feeding Habits
Baby bed bugs mostly come out at night to feed while you’re asleep. They inject a mild numbing agent, so you don’t feel the bite right away. But once it wears off, the bites can start to itch. Your skin gets red and starts to irritate.
Appearance of Bites
Bed bug bites are reddish in color and can cause itching and swelling on infected area. The impact of these bites varies by individual, some people experience more intense symptoms than others.
Frequency of Bites
Since baby bed bugs require blood meals more frequently than adults to continue growing, you may notice an increase in bite occurrences during an infestation.
If you are noticing frequent bites, especially at night, it could be a sign that you have a developing bed bug infestation involving both nymphs and adults.
Signs of Baby Bed Bugs in Home
Spotting baby bed bugs early can help you prevent larger infestations. Here are some clear signs to help you identify them.
Shed Skins
As baby bed bugs grow, they shed their outer skins, leaving behind small and see-through shells. You’ll often find these skins on mattress seams, around headboards, and other hidden spots in your bed area.
Bed Bug Droppings
Bed bug droppings look like tiny black or dark brown spots and are usually found on sheets, mattresses, or furniture. These spots are actually dried blood left behind after they feed so they can be a clear sign of infestation in your home.
Bed Bug Eggs
Female bed bugs lay clusters of eggs in hidden places. They are small, white, and sticky, often found along mattress seams, bed frames, and cracks.
Bites on the Skin
If you’re waking up with new bites, particularly on exposed areas of skin, it can be a sign of bed bugs.
These are some signs that can help you identify bed bugs presence in your home and make it easier to control infestation.
Baby Roaches vs. Baby Bed Bugs: How to Differentiate?
It’s easy to confuse bed bugs with other pests, particularly baby cockroaches, due to their similar size and shape. Let’s look how can we differentiate baby bed bugs from baby roaches:
| Difference | Baby Bed Bugs | Baby Cockroaches |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Whitish or translucent | Light brown or tan |
| Shape | Flat, oval shaped | Cylindrical |
| Antennae | Shorter and less prominent | Long, slender antennae |
| Behavior | Active at night only | Active throughout day and night |
Before treatment, it is mandatory to identify the type of bug as roaches and bed bugs both are treated differently.
How to Handle a Baby Bed Bug Infestation
There are some preventive measures that everyone should take, to prevent baby bugs infestation or to control it.
Inspect Your Home
Inspect your home especially the rooms; bed bugs are mostly found on the mattresses, furniture or bedding. Also, checkout out hiding spots where they can be infesting i.e. cracks, windows etc.
Vacuum Regularly
Use a vacuum to clean all the areas where bed bugs might hide i.e. floors, bed frames, furniture etc., and make sure to dispose it after cleaning.
Use Mattress Encasements
Encase your mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof covers. This step helps to trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from spreading further.
Contact a Professional Pest Control
For larger infestations that can’t be handled at your own, it is best to contact a professional bed bug exterminator in your area. They use advanced techniques and environment friendly products to effectively eliminate bed bugs and prevent them from coming back.