Bedbugs

Childhood Skin Problems

Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on June 22, 2021

Left: Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images. Right: Darlyne A. Murawski / National Geographic / Getty Images

Adult bed bugs are wingless insects about one-quarter of an inch long and oval in shape. Their color is nearly white after molting, then ranges from tan to burnt orange. After a blood meal, they'll appear dark red or black.

Their flat bodies enable them to hide in dark, cozy cracks and crevices in beds, baseboards, sofas, and drawers, and even behind wallpaper and electrical switchplates. That's where they nest during the day, typically not far from where they'll find their host -- that's you -- at night. Read more about how to spot bedbugs and get them before they get you.

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Images: Left: Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images. Right: Darlyne A. Murawski / National Geographic / Getty Images

Text: "Don't Lose Sleep Over Bed Bugs", WebMD Feature

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