How Can You Detect Bed Bugs?

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To detect bed bugs, look for common signs of infestations, including bites discovered in the morning, spots of blood, fecal matter and live insects. Bed bugs frequently hide between mattresses and box springs, under sofa cushions and in bed frames.

If evidence of bed bugs is detected, it is important to contact a pest control company immediately to address the problem.

Step 1: Examine any bites discovered in the morning

As their name suggests, most bed bugs inhabit places where people sleep. Consequently, victims often notice bites on their arms, legs and torsos upon waking in the morning. Bed bug bites usually appear in small clusters, often in a zig-zag pattern across the body, and resemble small welts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Step 2: Look for other signs of bed bug infestation

The most common signs of bed bug infestation include the insects themselves (small, flat insects discovered around bedroom furniture), as well as spots on furniture from their blood or fecal matter. When a bed bug is crushed right after it has fed, the spot it leaves on furniture will be red. Otherwise, dots of black blood or fecal matter will be detected.

Homeowners with sharp eyes might also see bed bug eggs. They are only 1 millimeter in diameter, so they are extremely difficult to detect.