Bed bugs can be very elusive because of it is ability to hide in even the most minute crack or crevice. They can also hide in nearby clutter and furniture. Once established, a female can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime so it is imperative to ensure that any suspicion is acted upon.
What To Look For When Searching For Bed Bugs
One thing is for sure. Bed bugs are very sloppy. They will leave behind many clues you can identify to determine if you have them or not. A simple diy inspection will reveal these clues.
Check the corners of your mattress for any signs of blood. Bed bugs start pooping out your blood as soon as they begin crawling away from you and it usually looks like sprinkled pepper. If you find these markings on sheets, pillow cases, ruffles or mattresses, most likely it is bed bugs!
Flip the mattresses over and if you have a box spring, rip the fabric cover from the bottom and thoroughly inspect the wooden frame within the box spring for any blood marks or bed bug clumps in corners or crevices in the wood. Depending on the level of infestation you will either see or not see mature adults.
Bed bugs lay eggs in clumps, so be on the lookout for white spec like dots populating a ridge of a ruffle or in the folds of upholstery for example.
I have found bed bugs inside of wall outlets so it would be a good idea to unscrew the outlet covers to give a quick peek in there. Be careful though, remember you’re dealing with electricity!
Where To Check For Bed Bugs
Some factors come into play when determining where to check for bed bugs. If you live in a household with children for example, eggs can be spread around the entire house, so in that case, I would inspect all beds, couches, chairs and furniture. Bed bugs can detect your breath up to 15 feet so it can be an issue in a household with multiple members.
Inspect the moldings around the beds for any signs of blood marks or bed bug sheddings. As a bed bug grows, it sheds it is outer carapace so you would see them scattered about in small crevices or in the edges of floor moldings, bed frames and carpet seams.
Do You See Bed Bugs?
Many have asked me, “can I see bed bugs?”, and the answer is simple. Yes you can. Adults can be the size of an apple seed. Definitely big enough to see with the naked eye. So if someone told you it is too hard to check for bed bugs, most likely they want to make some money there!
They are typically 5-7 mm in length and have a flat, oval-shaped body that can become more rounded and elongated after feeding. The visibility of bed bugs means that with careful inspection, you can indeed spot these pests in your living space.
However, detecting bed bugs requires a bit more effort than just spotting an adult bug. It’s important to know where to look and what signs to watch out for.
Bed bugs are notorious for their stealthy behavior; they tend to hide in small crevices and cracks close to where humans sleep, such as in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards.
To effectively check for bed bugs, you should look for more than just live insects. Signs of an infestation include tiny, rust-colored spots on bedding from their excrement, small blood smears from crushed bugs, or the presence of their translucent exoskeletons after molting.
Also, bed bugs are not limited to the bed area; they can also hide in furniture, behind wallpaper, and in other unsuspected places. A thorough inspection involves checking seams, tags, and crevices of mattresses, as well as any joints or corners of bed frames and furniture. Tools like a flashlight and a magnifying glass can aid in the detection of these pests and their signs.
If you do spot bed bugs, don’t worry it is not the end of the world! Here at GreenBedBugSolutions I’ll provide you with all the knowledge and support to get rid of these creatures safely and naturally.
Final Tips… What To Know About Bed Bugs
A few things I usually employ when doing bed bug reconnaissance is, if possible, ask neighbors or superintendent of any bed bug activity or look up to see if the building has a history of bed bug issues.
Look at bite patterns. Usually bed bug bites are found in clumps or forming patterns like lines and triangles. They usually itch and can become aggravated if scratched. More on bed bug bites HERE
One thing to note is that research shows some may be immune to bed bug bites therefore not experiencing any bite marks or rashes. There can be a scenario where one partner is getting bitten and the other not or so it seems. The most likely answer to that is one is immune.
Bed bugs will also bite our beloved pets, so if you notice your pet scratching or biting itself, it may be bed bug bites as well. For more on this topic, click HERE
For help on how to prepare for a bed bug treatment, click HERE
Conclusion
I hope I have given you some clarity as to how to approach identifying if you have bed bugs or not. For tips on how to prep your home for a bed bug treatment check my “Preparing for a bed bug treatment…the right way!” article for more info. Many panic and rely on iffy exterminators to determine your fate! I’m here to give you the tools to become an expert yourself and together we can overcome any bed bug infestation! If you have any questions or want to share your experience with bed bugs feel free to shoot a comment below or contact me at Wilson@greenorganicpestcontrol.com
Stay Bed bug Free!
Wilson.
