How to Check for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, elusive pests that can be difficult to spot. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you conduct a thorough inspection.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
- A bright flashlight
- A magnifying glass (optional but helpful)
- A credit card or similar thin, stiff object
- Disposable gloves
Step 2: Focus on Key Areas
Bed bugs tend to hide in dark, secluded places near where people sleep. Pay close attention to these areas:
- The Bed: Check the seams, tags, and piping of the mattress and box spring.
- Bedding: Look for tiny rust-colored stains on sheets and pillowcases.
- Bed Frame and Headboard: Inspect cracks, crevices, and screw holes.
- Furniture: Check seams of couches and chairs, especially near cushions.
- Baseboards and Carpets: Look along the edges of carpets and where the carpet meets the wall.
- Electronics and Wall Hangings: Inspect behind outlet covers, picture frames, and clocks near the bed.
Step 3: Look for Signs of Bed Bugs
You are looking for physical evidence, not just the bugs themselves. Key signs include:
- Live Bugs: Small, apple-seed-sized, reddish-brown, and oval-shaped insects.
- Fecal Spots: Tiny, dark spots (like a marker dot) on mattresses, sheets, or walls.
- Eggs and Eggshells: Tiny (1mm), pale yellow skins and shells.
- Blood Stains: Small rust-colored spots on your bedding from crushed bugs.
Step 4: Perform a Thorough Inspection
- Strip the bed and place all bedding in a sealed plastic bag.
- Use your flashlight and credit card to scrape along mattress seams, forcing any hiding bugs out into the open.
- Slowly and methodically examine all the key areas listed above.
- Use the magnifying glass to get a closer look at any suspicious spots or stains.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you confirm an infestation, take immediate action:
- Contact a licensed pest control professional. DIY methods are often ineffective.
- Do not move items from the infested room to other rooms, as this can spread the bugs.