Pests can be tricky, and we must recognize the different stages of their life cycle. Bed bugs are no different. Nymphs are the second stage in the life cycle of a bed bug. They differ from adults in a few ways. These baby bed bugs can cause a lot of damage to your sleep schedule and your peace of mind! Read on to learn more about nymphs and how they differ from adults.
Nymphs Are Smaller
The nymphs or “baby bed bugs” look similar to the adult bed bug but are small in size. Adult bed bugs are commonly between 5 mm and 8 mm long (approx. 1/4 of an inch). Compare that to the nymph, about 3 mm long (approximately 1/8 of an inch).
They Have Smaller Abdomens
Another way to tell the difference between these pests is by looking at their abdominal region. The adult bed bug’s abdominal area is full and round. On the other hand, the nymph has a smaller and flat abdomen since it hasn’t developed its full meal-holding capacity.
They Are Brownish
Unlike adult bed bugs, nymphs are smaller and lighter in color. The adults appear reddish-brown or dark brown with a little yellow marking on the abdomen. The nymph is a beige color and is more translucent than adults.
Nymphs Don’t Leave an Odor
The adults are quite offensive to humans because of their strong and unpleasant odor. The nymphs have a very weak odor and can easily be dismissed as bed bugs. Baby bed bugs are not as offensive to humans as adults and may even be overlooked.
Nymphs Can Still Spread Disease
While it is true that nymphs are less of a nuisance than adults, they are still capable of spreading diseases. Like their adult counterparts, baby bed bugs can transmit pathogens that cause skin rashes, eye irritation, and asthma attacks. They can also carry other pathogens, such as those causing bubonic plague in humans.
They Are Difficult to Spot
The adults are quite visible if you look for them, but nymphs are nearly impossible to spot if you don’t know what to look for. Nymphs leave telltale “hitchhiker” signs such as fecal spots due to their less developed digestive systems. The onset of the warm season also means that they are more active at this time.
End Note
Nymphs still pose a significant threat to your health, just like their adult counterparts. Unfortunately, treating an area with bed bugs can be tough because they are fast and hard to kill. That’s why it is so important to seek our professional help immediately in case you suspect you have an infestation of bed bugs in your home.