How to Detect Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are small, elusive pests that often go unnoticed. They hide in cracks, crevices, and soft furnishings, emerging at night to feed. Catching an infestation early can help prevent it from spreading. Here’s what to look for and where to look.
Bed Bugs Crawling on Mattress
Signs You May Have Bed Bugs
Bed bug infestations often leave behind visible signs, especially around sleeping areas. Knowing what to look for can help you spot a problem early. Check mattresses, bedding, and nearby furniture for the following indicators:
• Small, itchy bites in a line or cluster on your skin • Rust-colored stains or smears on sheets and mattresses • Clusters of dark brown or black spots from dried excrement • Shed skins or casings left behind after molting • A subtle, sweet and musty odor, particularly in heavily infested areas
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s important to investigate promptly and consider contacting a pest control professional for confirmation and treatment options.
Bed bugs grouped in a cluster
How to Check for Bed Bugs
Start by inspecting areas where people sleep or rest. Use a flashlight and magnifying glass to examine:
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Mattress seams and box springs
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Headboards and bed frames
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Upholstered furniture
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Behind wall outlets and baseboards
Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and reddish-brown in color. Look for signs like dark stains, shed skins, and tiny white eggs.
How to Find Bed Bugs During the Day
Although bed bugs are most active at night, they can still be found during the day if you know where to look. They often hide inside mattress seams, behind wallpaper, in cracks in wooden furniture, and inside dresser drawers. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tight spaces, making daytime detection challenging but possible with a thorough inspection.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you confirm signs of a bed bug infestation, taking the right steps early can help contain the problem and prevent it from spreading. Here’s what to do if you find bed bugs in your home:
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Avoid moving infested items to other rooms
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Wash and dry bedding and clothing on high heat
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Vacuum thoroughly around sleeping areas
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Contact a pest control professional for inspection and treatment
DIY methods may offer temporary relief, but professional treatment is often necessary to fully eliminate bed bugs and prevent reinfestation.
Professional Bed Bug Control
Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to detect and remove. Orkin Pros are trained to identify signs of bed bugs, locate their hiding spots, and implement customized bed bug treatment plans. Whether you’ve found early signs or suspect a larger infestation, Orkin is here to help. Contact your local Orkin branch to learn more about our bed bug control services.
More Resources
Bed bugs hide in tight spaces near where people sleep, including mattress seams, furniture joints, and baseboards, emerging at night in search of a blood meal.
How Do You Treat Bed Bug Infestations?
Treating bed bug infestations requires a thorough, multi-step approach. Orkin Pros use proven methods to help find, eliminate, and prevent bed bugs from coming back.
Do Bed Bugs Lay Eggs in Mattresses?
Bed bugs often lay eggs in mattresses, particularly in hidden areas like seams and folds. Recognizing these common nesting spots can help with early detection and effective treatment.
Orkin offers professional bed bug inspections and treatments, including heat and chemical options, tailored to the severity of the infestation.
