How to know that bedbugs are dead? - briefly
A deceased bed bug shows no movement when touched, its cuticle becomes brittle, and its color fades to a matte brown or gray. If the specimen remains unresponsive after a few minutes of gentle probing, it can be considered dead.
How to know that bedbugs are dead? - in detail
To verify that a bedbug has perished, observe physical signs, test for movement, and assess environmental conditions.
Physical indicators include a flattened, darkened body, loss of the characteristic glossy sheen, and a brittle exoskeleton that cracks under gentle pressure. A dead specimen will not exhibit the distinct reddish‑brown color of a living bug; instead, it appears gray‑black or brownish‑black after dehydration.
Behavioral tests involve stimulating the insect. Place a fine brush or a soft paintbrush near the abdomen and gently tap the thorax. A living bug will attempt to crawl away or exhibit twitching of the legs and antennae. Absence of any response after several seconds suggests mortality.
Temperature and humidity checks can confirm the status. If the area has been subjected to extreme heat (above 48 °C/118 °F) for at least 30 minutes, most bedbugs are killed. Conversely, low temperatures (below –17 °C/1 °F) maintained for several days also ensure death. If the environment has not reached these thresholds, visual and tactile verification remains essential.
A practical checklist:
- Inspect the body: flattened, dark, brittle, loss of shine.
- Apply gentle pressure: no deformation or fluid leakage.
- Stimulate with a brush: no movement or leg twitching.
- Confirm exposure to lethal temperature/humidity conditions if applicable.
Combining these observations provides a reliable determination of whether the insects are no longer alive.