Yes, you can see bed bugs with the naked eye, although they are experts at hiding. Adult bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed (5–7 mm), reddish-brown, and flat unless they have recently fed, at which point they become elongated and bright red. Younger nymphs are smaller and can be translucent or yellowish, making them harder to spot against light-colored sheets unless they have just consumed blood. In 2026, pest control experts emphasize looking for more than just the bugs themselves: you should check for fecal spotting (tiny black dots), shed skins (translucent husks), and tiny white eggs about the size of a pinhead. They typically hide in the seams of mattresses, behind headboards, and in the crevices of bedside furniture. While they are nocturnal and avoid light, a standard flashlight is usually sufficient to reveal them during an inspection. If you see a "moving speck" in a hotel room, it is worth a closer look, as even the nearly microscopic first-stage nymphs are visible if they are in motion.