Do Bed Bugs Turn Black When They Die?
WouterIf you’re unsure of whether or not a bed bug has died, check its eggs. Most bed bugs lay eggs that are white or near-white. If they start to turn black, it may be an indication that it has died. The color of the eggs depends on the bug’s genetics. They can be easily seen if the area is well-lit. If not, you may need to use a magnifying glass to see them clearly.
As they grow older, bedbugs shed their skin. Their bodies are translucent at first, but as they feed on human blood, their color changes to a dark purplish red. In addition to their color change, bedbugs can turn black after they’ve finished feeding. The body of the adult bedbug is about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long, and its back is raised. Female bedbugs are slightly smaller than males. Bedbug nymphs are only one millimeter long before molting. They feed on human blood, but are colorless until they reach their adult stage, when they become darker.
Bedbugs feed by injecting a small amount of saliva into the host’s skin. Their saliva can irritate the skin, and some people may develop an allergic reaction to it. Bedbugs usually bite in rows, with an interval of three to ten minutes between bites. If you disturb their feeding, the bedbug will stop, and will retreat half an inch to find another host.
