What Color Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are not always visible, so it can be difficult to determine the exact color of a bed bug infestation. Their appearance varies depending on several factors, but the most common colors are red and orange. Adult bed bugs are about one-quarter inch long. Bedbug larvae are often brown or reddish, but they can also be nearly white. After feeding, they may change color to a rusty red.
Bedbugs generally avoid red and black harborages, but they do prefer lilac and violet. If they have not yet fed, the color of the harborage is not important to them. After they feed, they will leave the harborage to look for a new host. However, if they are already starved, the color of their harborage does not matter.
Adult bedbugs are rusty brown or reddish-brown in color. However, their color can also vary depending on how recently they have fed. When blood has been fed recently, bedbugs are a darker reddish-brown, and their exoskeleton is thicker.
Adult bedbugs are about 3/16 inch long and oval-shaped with six legs. They are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Adult bedbugs have an oval body and a rusty brown or mahogany exoskeleton. Nymphs are about one-half millimeter long and develop through several molts. Their legs are covered with claws, which make them difficult to move on hard surfaces.