Bed bugs are unsanitary, annoying, and can pose a risk to your health. Their bites usually cause itchiness, which can lead to a secondary skin infection, and some people are even allergic to bed bugs.

The first step to getting rid of bed bugs is knowing how to identify them. So where do bed bugs lay eggs? And what do bed bugs look like?

WHAT DO BED BUG EGGS LOOK LIKE?

The beginning stage of the bed bug life cycle: what do bed bug eggs look like? These small, pinhead-sized eggs usually lie in clusters. They are white and pearly in appearance and 1 mm in length. After five days, they develop a small black spot in the center of the egg.

WHERE DO BED BUGS LAY EGGS?

You can identify bed bug eggs now, but where do you look for them? Where do bed bugs lay eggs?

Most of the time, these aptly named bugs lay their eggs in bed mattresses or furniture cushions. Bed bugs prefer these areas because they are usually dark, safe, and close to the human or animal they may be feeding off of. However, bed bugs might also choose to lay eggs in walls, baseboards, or floorboards.

Though bed bugs usually lay their eggs in mattresses, you might spot them in the frame of the bed, under buttons of the mattress, or under the mattress tags.

a cluster of bed bugs hiding in the seam of a couch

SIGNS OF BED BUG EGGS

Make sure you identify bed bugs early on by looking out for these bed bug egg signs:

  • Tiny white clusters of bed bugs eggs in the seams of the mattress
  • A foul smell on or around the mattress
  • Rust-colored spots on the mattress
  • Apple seed-sized bed bugs crawling on the mattress
  • Smaller, white nymphs crawling on the mattress
  • You have baby bed bug bites on your body when you wake up in the morning

FACTS ABOUT BED BUGS

The more you know about bed bugs, the easier it will be to eliminate them from your home—and keep them away for good. Here are some facts to note about baby bed bugs:

  • Female bed bugs lay between one and five eggs each day.
  • Female bed bugs can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime.
  • Like adult bed bugs, baby bed bugs feed on human blood.
  • Baby bed bugs eat more frequently and for shorter periods than adult bed bugs.
  • Baby bed bugs are most active at night.
  • They are attracted to body heat and odor.
  • Baby bed bugs get bigger every time they molt.
  • They go through several stages before they become adult bed bugs.
  • Bed bugs live for four to six months.

FAQs

DO BED BUGS LAY EGGS ON HUMANS?

If you’re worried about bed bugs laying eggs on your body—don’t be. Bed bugs don’t typically lay eggs on humans, and instead lay their eggs in warm, dark areas, like the inside of a mattress or on walls.

CAN YOU SEE BED BUG EGGS?

Bed bug eggs are more difficult to spot than adult bed bugs, but you can certainly see them if you inspect your mattress or furniture closely. Look for tiny clusters of white, pearly eggs, which are about 1 mm long. See the image for an example of bed bug eggs.

a cluster of hatched bed bug eggs on a white contrast background

DO BED BUGS LAY EGGS ON CLOTHES?

Bed bugs are capable of laying eggs on clothes, but they are unlikely to do so when you’re wearing them. Generally, bed bugs only crawl on humans when they are still (like when they’re sleeping), and instead lay eggs in mattresses, bed frames, floorboards, and walls.

WHAT KILLS BED BUGS?

Bed bugs can be very difficult to get rid of, which is why it’s best to contact a professional pest control company at the first sign.

ELIMINATE BED BUGS WITH AMERICAN PEST CONTROL

If you suspect you may have bed bugs infesting your home, there’s no need to suffer through another sleepless night. Contact the team at American Pest Control for immediate assistance. We can help answer your questions about bed bugs and get rid of your bed bug infestation for good.

Call Us Today

Stop letting pests run your home and take control of your property. Call American Pest Control for all your pest control and exterminator needs in Central Illinois! We will be sure to eradicate the pests living in your home while maintaining a safe environment for your family.