How Can I Tell If We Have Bed Bugs?

Over the course of this year, we’ve heard industry experts talking about the widespread rise in bed bugs caused by record increases in travel and staff shortages across the hospitality industry. While you may not think you’ll be the one to bring bed bugs home, it happens more often than you think. And since the holidays are coming up and more and more travelers will head to the roads and catch planes to visit loved ones, there’s an even greater chance of encountering these biting pests. In today’s blog, our pest control specialists will share the signs of bed bugs, where to look for them, and what to do if you find an infestation in your home. While you might not have any plans to travel in the upcoming weeks, it pays to be proactive, and you never know, you might find use for it down the road.

Signs of bed bugs

• Bed bug bites
  One of the most common signs of bed bugs is discovering itchy, red bites on arms, legs, neck, and other exposed skin. Bites may appear in a line or in a cluster. If you’re concerned that you have bed bugs but haven’t noticed any bites, keep in mind that it can take up to several days for marks to appear.
• Bed bugs
  Finding live bed bugs in your mattress seam, on your headboard, or in other hiding spots (more on that in a minute) is a sure indication of a bed bug infestation. That said, you might not see live bugs crawling around as they are primarily nocturnal. As an infestation grows, you’re more likely to see bed bugs in broad daylight.
• Bed bugs eggs, eggshells, and skins
  Bed bugs eggs and eggshells often accompany an infestation, especially since they reproduce quickly. Also, as bed bug nymphs grow, they’ll shed their pale-yellow exoskeletons in areas where they hide.
• Blood & fecal stains
  Look for blood stains on bed sheets and mattresses that are caused by bed bugs when they feed or when they are crushed. You might also observe dark stains, which are bed bug excrement.
• A musty, sweet-smelling odor
  In the case of a larger infestation of bed bugs, some people may detect a musty, sweet-smelling odor. 

Bed bug detection 101

If you’ve noticed any of the signs of bed bugs listed above, the next step is to look for bed bugs. Keep in mind, these biting pests tend to hide out in areas not readily visible. You’ll have to do a little detective work. Here are a few common hiding spots for bed bugs:

• Mattresses & box springs
  Since their name contains the word “bed”, it makes the most sense to start your search for bed bugs there. Be sure to check the seams, folds, and tufts of your mattresses and box springs.
• Headboards & bed frames
  It’s quite common to find adult bed bugs and other stages on your headboard and in the cracks and crevices of the bedframe, especially if they’ve been in residence a while. Check the whole bed carefully for any signs of bed bugs.
• Nightstands & other furniture
  As we just mentioned, bed bugs often hide in cracks and crevices. Inspect nearby furniture, such as nightstands and dressers, as well as any upholstered items. For the latter, be sure to look carefully over the entire piece including, but not limited to seams, in between cushions, framework, and nail holes.  
• Walls & baseboards
  Bed bugs also hide on walls around the bed including the junction where wall meets ceiling, electrical outlets, and on or behind wall hangings. They also crawl behind baseboards to hide out.
• Carpets & rugs
  The edges of carpets and rugs, particularly those near the bed, make excellent hiding spots for bed bugs because they are close to their food source. They may also hide in the folds or underneath.
• Electronics
  You cannot rule out computers, clocks, speakers, and other electronic equipment as potential hiding places for bed bugs.

What to do if you find bed bugs in your house

If you’re worried about a possible bed bug infestation, and live in the Phoenix or Tucson metros, contact Northwest Exterminating right away! Our locally operated pest control company offers the best bed bug treatments available, and are ready to help you get rid of bed bugs, no matter how severe the infestation.

And once we’re done treating your home for bed bugs, we’ll issue you a Sleeptight Certified Clear Report which comes with a warranty for up to 90 days.

Don’t lose sleep over bed bugs, reach out to Northwest Exterminating at the first sign of a bed bug problem!