What Color Are Bed Bugs?

Published: October 24, 2019 • Updated: January 20, 2026

Where to Sleep if You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

If there’s one thing that gets our customer’s skin crawling, it’s bed bugs. We often get phone calls asking how to identify the parasitic bug. What color are bed bugs and how big are they?

What Color Are Bed Bugs?

It depends on the stage in their lifecycle. Until adults feed, they are a mahogany to rusty brown color. Once engorged with blood, they are red-brown color. Nymphs (baby bed bugs) are nearly colorless when they first hatch and become brownish as they mature.

Now, what about their size? Adult bed bugs are twice as big as the eggs, making it up to 0.18 inches, or 4.5 millimeters. (Yes, that tiny!) If you’re trying to wrap your head around that size, consider that 0.1 inch is just a little thicker than a quarter. The best way to describe it is the size of an apple seed, which means you can see them…if you know where to look.

Can’t Seem to Get Rid of This Pesky Bug? We Can Help

The pest professionals at Green Pest Solutions have dealt with the dreaded bed bug before. If all else fails, or if you want to take some preventative measures to stave off another outbreak, please consider giving us a call to schedule a free consultation. Contact us today at 855-312-7157.

About The Author

Dennis Guinan brings nearly 14 years of experience in the pest control industry, all with Green Pest Solutions. He currently serves as Quality Assurance Manager, where he oversees service standards and ensures consistent, high-quality operations. An ACE (Associate Certified Entomologist), Dennis combines deep technical expertise with a strong background in sales leadership, including seven years managing and coaching pest inspection teams.