What Are Black Bed Bugs? 2 Facts Explain Why Bed Bugs Are Black

Alright, let’s clear this up right away: black bed bugs aren’t a thing.

I know, I know, you’re probably here because you saw some creepy-crawly critters that looked, well, black. But here’s the deal: bed bugs are usually a brownish-red colour. The idea of “black bed bugs” often comes from a misunderstanding.

So, what’s going on?

When you hear “black bed bugs,” it’s often just bed bugs in different lighting or after a blood meal, making them look darker.

But we’ll dive deeper into that in a bit.

Are Bed Bugs Really Black in Colour?

Now, let’s set the record straight: bed bugs aren’t actually black.

They can look black under certain conditions, like if they’re full of blood or in dim lighting.

But normally? They’re more of a rusty red or brown.

Think of them like little blood-sucking lentils.

When they’ve just had a meal, they can darken up, looking almost black.

But once that meal digests, they go back to their usual colour.

Black Bed Bugs Dont Exist

Causes of Black Bed Bugs in Your Home

So, why are you seeing black bed bugs?

Well, there are a few reasons.

• It could be shadows making them look darker.
• Or maybe the little guys have gorged themselves on a meal (that meal is probably you, by the way).
• Or, you might not even be dealing with bed bugs at all. Could be another pest altogether.

We’ll get to that next.

Watch Video Of A Bed Bug Turning Black After Feeding

Differences Between Black Bed Bugs and Other Pests

Here’s the kicker: a lot of people mistake other pests for black bed bugs.

Could be carpet beetles, bat bugs, or even tiny spiders.

All these critters can be dark and small, and when you’re freaking out at 2 AM, they all look the same.

But trust me, a closer look will show some differences.

Bed bugs have that classic flat, oval shape and are about the size of an apple seed.

Carpet beetles are more round, and spiders… well, they have more legs.

How to Identify Bed Bugs Effectively

So how do you actually figure out if you’ve got bed bugs or some other tiny invader?

Here’s what you look for:

• Shape and Size: Bed bugs are flat, oval, and about 5-7mm long.
• Colour: Typically rusty red or brown, but never truly black.
• Movement: Slow and steady, unlike faster beetles or spiders.
• Signs: Look for droppings (tiny dark spots), shed skins, or those telltale blood spots on your sheets.

Want to be extra sure? Grab a magnifying glass and a torch.

Or better yet, take a picture and compare it to bed bug images online.

Not Bed Bugs

Treatment Options for Bed Bugs in General

Got a bed bug situation? You’ve got options.

1. DIY Methods:
   • Steaming: A great non-chemical way to zap them fast.
   • Diatomaceous Earth: (DE): This powder is your long-term solution. It’s natural, it’s effective, and it works like a charm by dehydrating the bugs.
   • Bed Bug Barrier Products: Yep, our organic solutions at Bed Bug Barrier can help you knock these pests out without toxic chemicals.
   • Mattress Protectors: These covers trap the bed bugs inside and provide instantly protection.
   • Bed Bug Bed Leg Traps: Use a bed bug interceptor or trap around your bed legs to catch any lingering bugs.
2. Professional Pest Control:
   • Sometimes, you gotta bring in the pros. Especially for larger infestations.

How To Treat Bed Bugs DIY Video

Myths and Facts About Black Bed Bugs

Let’s bust some myths here.

Myth: Bed bugs are black. Fact: Nope. They just appear darker sometimes.

Myth: You only get bed bugs from dirty places. Fact: Bed bugs don’t care if you’re messy or neat. They’re just looking for blood.

Myth: Bed bugs only live in beds. Fact: They can live anywhere – couches, cracks in the walls, even electrical outlets.

Preventing Bed Bug Infestations

Prevention is your best friend.

Here’s what you do:

• Inspect second-hand furniture: Bed bugs love hitching a ride on used items.
• Diatomaceous Earth: Dust DE on your bed frame and cracks and crevices around your bed, its always active unless its removed.
• Encasements: Use bed bug-proof mattress encasements.
• Isolation: Keep your bed at least 30cm away from walls and other furniture.

And always be vigilant. Check hotel rooms, keep your bags off the ground, and inspect any second-hand items before bringing them into your home.

How Do Bed Bugs Suddenly Appear?

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

You only need to call a pest controller if you are disabled, elderly, or unwell. Our DIY methods work much better than professional treatments, but if this option isnt feasible for you, professional help is necessary.

Conclusion: Dealing with Black Bed Bugs

So, are black bed bugs a thing?

Not really.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be on high alert for bed bugs of any colour.

They’re tricky, they’re sneaky, and they’re not going away on their own.

And if you’re looking for a solution that’s both instant and long-term, check out the organic bed bug products from Bed Bug Barrier.

Don’t wait until they’ve taken over your space.

Act now, get proactive, and keep your home bed bug-free.

For good!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can bed bugs be black?
   No, bed bugs are not black. They are typically reddish-brown in colour. However, bed bugs may appear darker after feeding because their bodies are filled with blood.
2. What bug can be mistaken for a bed bug?
   Several bugs can be mistaken for bed bugs, including carpet beetles, spider beetles, and bat bugs. These bugs can look similar in size and shape but have different colours and behaviours.
3. Are bed bug skins black?
   No, bed bug skins are not black. When bed bugs moult, they shed light-coloured skins that are usually translucent or pale yellowish-brown.

Are You Looking for an Organic DIY Treatment?

Got Black Bed Bugs? Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For An Ensemble Bed

Got Black Bed Bugs? Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For A Bed with Slats

If you have enjoyed our blog about “black bed bugs” then you might like to read about how to dispose of bed bugs.

Sources:

Planet Natural (bugs that look like bed bugs)

Tony Abrahams

Tony pioneered a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution for bedbug infestations. His innovation won the ABC TV show “The New Inventors” in 2009. In 2012, he successfully registered Diatomaceous Earth for bedbug control in Australia.