Bed bug detection can be difficult because these tiny unwanted guests aren’t active during the day. It’s easy to miss the first signs of these nocturnal pests if you don’t know what to look for. However, failing to find these pests early could lead to a hard-to-control bed bug infestation.

Our guide will show you how to check for bed bugs and get rid of them promptly. Understanding how they live and feed can provide insights into timely DIY detection.

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What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on blood. Their flat, brown, oval-shaped bodies make these pests hard to discover. Bed bugs feed at night and hide in cracks and crevices during the day.

While bed bugs don’t usually transmit diseases, they cause itchy bites, which could become infected when scratched. These bites can interfere with your sleep and cause you to feel stressed during the day.

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What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

The appearance of bed bugs will change throughout their lifecycle.

Adult Bed Bugs

Adult bed bugs have the following characteristics:

• Around 4–5 millimeters long (about the size of an apple seed)
• Flat, oval-shaped body before feeding and elongated and swollen after feeding
• Piercing and sucking mouthparts (proboscis)
• Reddish-brown color before feeding and more reddish after feeding
• Six legs and no wings
• Short segmented antennae

Young Bed Bugs (Nymphs)

Young bed bugs have the same shape as adults but are smaller and a different color. 

• Flat and oval shape, similar to the adults
• Newly hatched are approximately 1.5 millimeters long
• Translucent or light yellowish-white but become darker and reddish after a blood meal

Nymphs go through five development stages. They shed their exoskeleton (molt) at each stage and grow larger.

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What Are the Signs of Bed Bugs?

It’s easy to miss the presence of bed bugs before they become a bed bug infestation if you don’t know what to look for. These insects are excellent at finding hiding spots. That’s why early signs of bed bugs may be difficult to notice.

Bed Bug Eggs

Bed bug eggs are tiny, about 1 millimeter, and white or translucent. They look like small grains of rice. You can find these egg clusters in mattress seams, furniture joints, and crevices on walls.

Shed Nymph Exoskeletons

The exoskeletons shed by bed bug nymphs look like empty shells of the bugs. You can find them in common bed bug hiding places.

Bites on the Skin

Bed bug bites typically look like small, red, itchy bumps. They usually appear in a line or cluster. The most common places to check for these bites are the face, neck, arms, and legs. Some people develop welts and experience an allergic reaction.

Blood Stains on Sheets or Pajamas

Blood stains on bed sheets or pajamas occur when you crush the live bed bug after feeding. You can do this unconsciously in your sleep. To find these spots, inspect your bed carefully in the morning, especially if you have bite marks.

Dark Spots on Mattress

Dark spots on your mattress could be bed bug droppings. These spots are small, dark brown or black. In addition to the mattress, they can be found on the bed frame and nearby furniture. When touched, these excrements smear like a marker stain.

Musty Odor

A musty odor, often compared to the smell of coriander or spoiled raspberries, could indicate a bed bug infestation. Since bed bugs release this scent from their glands, it becomes more noticeable as the number of insects increases.

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Where Should You Check for Bed Bugs?

You don’t have to suspect a bed bug infestation to start checking for it. Consider checking regularly during your house cleaning process. Handy tools for discovering bed bugs are a magnifying glass, a flashlight, and a credit card.

Baseboards, Carpets, and Wallpaper

Check baseboards, particularly in cracks and crevices. Examine the edges and seams of carpets, especially near the bed. Then, inspect loose wallpaper sections or peeling areas. You can run a credit card along edges and seams to remove the hiding bed bugs.

Electrical Outlets and Wall Hangings

Remove the cover plates from the electrical outlets and look inside for signs of bed bugs, such as casings. Check wall hangings (picture frames, mirrors, and artwork). Bed bugs can hide behind these objects and settle in the crevices where they meet the wall.

Headboards and Bed Frames

Headboards require special attention. Using a flashlight, check cracks, joints, and attachment points to the wall. Then, after inspecting the headboard, inspect bed frames, focusing on joints, seams, and hollow spaces.

Mattresses and Box Springs

Start by examining all sides of the mattress, focusing on seams and tags. Check the box springs, especially along the seams, fabric covering, and the underside. Use a flashlight to inspect any dark crevices in and around your bed.

Other Furniture

Bed bugs can also hide in nightstands, dressers, and couches. Focus on seams, joints, and any upholstered furniture sections. Check inside drawers as well as behind and underneath furniture.

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How Should You Inspect Luggage for Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are avid travelers and use luggage as a hiding place. You can bring them home from vacation without noticing. To prevent an infestation, always check your luggage before unpacking. Here’s how:

• Place luggage on a hard, light, and non-upholstered surface (such as a bathtub).
• Use a flashlight to inspect all exterior surfaces, including zippers, seams, and pockets.
• Open the luggage and remove all items, checking each one individually.
• Inspect the interior seams, lining, and pockets.
• Pay close attention to the corners and any folds or creases in the fabric.
• Shake out and inspect any removable compartments or dividers.

Use a luggage rack when in a hotel room. Keep your bags off the floor to reduce the chance of infestation.

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When To Call a Professional

If you notice any signs of bed bugs in your home, consider calling a pest control company immediately for bed bug control. DIY treatments rarely get rid of bed bugs altogether. They can scatter the bugs around your property and make the problem worse.

Whether you have just a few bugs or an infestation, professionals can implement measures that effectively solve the problem. They can also remove bed bugs from hard-to-reach places and provide prevention tips. Bed bug exterminator costs can depend on many factors, including the size of your home and the severity of the infestation.

To choose a reputable pest control company, ask potential candidates about their certifications and references. You can also check local reviews online and ask neighbors and friends for recommendations.

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Our Conclusion

Bed bugs can make your life miserable if you don’t catch an infestation early. Know the signs of these unwanted pests and check for their presence regularly. The sooner you detect these bugs and take action, the easier it is to get rid of them for good.

Call a professional pest control company when you find the first signs of bed bugs. Fighting these pests on your own can make matters worse.

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FAQ About How To Check for Bed Bugs

Can bed bugs live in your pillow?

Yes, bed bugs can lay eggs and hide in your pillow. That’s why regular pillow inspection and cleaning are essential.

Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?

Yes, you can see bed bugs with the naked eye. They have reddish-brown, oval-shaped, flat bodies around 4–5 millimeters long.

How do I check my mattress for bed bugs?

Use a flashlight to check your mattress for bed bugs. Examine all sides of the mattress, including seams, tags, and tufts. Look for live bugs, excrement, and shed skins.

What color are bed bugs attracted to?

Bed bugs are attracted to dark-colored furniture and objects because they are easier to hide in.

What instantly kills bed bugs?

You can instantly kill bed bugs with diluted rubbing alcohol, high heat (over 120 degrees Fahrenheit), and vinegar.

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