Bed bug eggs are white, often described as pearly white or translucent when first laid. These tiny objects are the starting point of an infestation, and identifying them is crucial for early detection. Female bed bugs lay their eggs after consuming a blood meal, strategically placing them in hidden locations near their host. Recognizing these eggs helps stop an infestation before it rapidly expands.
What Bed Bug Eggs Actually Look Like
Bed bug eggs measure approximately 1 millimeter long, comparable to the size of a pinhead or a tiny grain of rice. They have an elongated, oval shape and a slightly tapered end, sometimes described as barrel-shaped. The eggs have a smooth, shiny, or glossy surface.
The color of a freshly laid egg is pale, milky white, or translucent. As the egg develops, it may take on a faint yellowish or creamy tint. If the egg is close to hatching, typically after five days, a dark spot—the developing nymph’s eye—may become visible inside.
The female covers the egg with a sticky, clear substance that acts as cement. This adhesive coating ensures the egg remains firmly attached to the surface, making them difficult to dislodge. Dead or infertile eggs often lose their glossy appearance, turning opaque, shriveled, or dull yellow-brown.
Finding Hidden Egg Locations
Female bed bugs are selective about where they deposit their eggs, choosing secluded, dark, and protected sites close to a host’s resting area. Eggs are often laid singly or in small clusters, cemented to the surface. A single female can produce between one and five eggs per day, contributing to these clusters.
Hiding spots include the seams, folds, and tags of mattresses, as well as the joints and crevices of the bed frame and box spring. Since bed bugs can fit into a crack no thicker than a business card, they utilize areas like behind baseboards, under loose wallpaper, or inside electrical outlets near the bed.
The Egg Hatching Timeline
The time it takes for a bed bug egg to hatch is influenced by the ambient temperature. Under optimal conditions, typically between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C), eggs hatch within 6 to 10 days. Warmer temperatures accelerate development, while cooler conditions slow the process significantly.
If the temperature drops below ideal ranges, the incubation period can stretch to two weeks or longer. Once the egg hatches, a tiny, nearly transparent nymph emerges, immediately seeking a blood meal to begin its development. The empty egg casing left behind is clear and deflated, often remaining attached to the surface. Prompt treatment is necessary to eliminate adults and eggs before a new generation emerges.