Bed bugs are difficult to detect because they hide during the day and feed at night. However, they leave behind specific signs that can indicate an infestation. Identifying these signs early can help prevent the infestation from spreading and make treatment more effective.
1. Unexplained Bites
Bed bug bites typically appear in lines or clusters, often on exposed skin like arms, shoulders, and neck. Bites may cause itching and redness, though reactions vary by individual. Research shows that approximately 30% of people do not react to bed bug bites, so the absence of bites does not rule out an infestation.
2. Blood Spots on Sheets
Small blood spots on sheets or pillowcases can occur when you accidentally crush a bed bug that has recently fed. These spots are typically small (1-2mm) and may appear rusty or dark red. Blood spots are most common in the morning after bed bugs have fed during the night.
3. Dark Fecal Spots
Bed bugs leave behind dark spots of digested blood, which appear as small dark marks on surfaces. These fecal spots are commonly found on mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. They may bleed into fabric like a marker and are one of the most reliable signs of bed bug activity.
4. Shed Exoskeletons
As bed bugs grow, they molt and leave behind their exoskeletons (shed skins). These shells are translucent and bed-bug-shaped. Finding shed skins indicates an active, growing population. Bed bugs molt five times before reaching adulthood, so multiple shed skins suggest an established infestation.
5. Musty Odor
Severe infestations may produce a sweet, musty odor from the scent glands of bed bugs. This odor is caused by alarm pheromones and is most noticeable in large infestations. The smell has been described as similar to coriander or raspberries. Not all infestations produce a noticeable odor.
6. Visual Sightings
Adult bed bugs are approximately the size of an apple seed (4-5mm) and reddish-brown in color. They become darker and more elongated after feeding. Common hiding spots include mattress seams, behind headboards, in furniture joints, along baseboards, and in electrical outlets. Bed bugs are most active at night.
7. Eggs and Nymphs
Bed bug eggs are tiny (approximately 1mm) and white or cream-colored. They are often found in clusters in hidden locations. Nymphs (immature bed bugs) are smaller versions of adults, ranging from translucent to brownish as they mature. Finding eggs or nymphs indicates an active, reproducing infestation.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you identify signs of bed bugs, early treatment is recommended. Research shows that early treatment is more effective and less costly than treating severe infestations. Contact a professional pest control company that specializes in bed bugs for an inspection and treatment options. Avoid using over-the-counter pesticides, as bed bugs have developed resistance to many common chemicals.