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How to spot bugs near the bed and on bed bug victims during an infestation
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Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Bed bugs don't just live in beds, but in luggage, furniture, and even shoes. [1]
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Research source
Bedbugs are not dangerous and don't typically transmit disease, though some people have allergic reactions to them or get secondary infections from scratching bites. [2]
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Expert Source
Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
You may even have an emotional reaction to the gross factor of bed bugs, which is completely normal. You can recognize bedbugs by identifying the insects and checking for other signs of them.
Steps
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Check for a flat, oval shape. Look at any bugs you find and see if the body has a flat and oval shape. [3] X Expert Source Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019. Then check the thickness of the bug. Bedbugs are usually flat, oval-shaped, and about the thickness of a credit card. [4] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source Adults are about the size of an apple seed and while juveniles are the size of a poppy seed, but both have the same shape and width. [5] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source- Bedbugs may be swollen and larger after feeding.
- Don't worry if you can't actually see the bedbugs - this is very typical. Infestations are usually diagnosed by the appearance of bites on a person's skin, not by seeing the bedbugs.
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Determine a tan to red color spectrum. Look at the color of the bugs you see. They may range from reddish to a tan color. Adult bedbugs are usually a shiny, rusty red color. Juveniles are often a translucent tan color. Some bedbugs may even have darker spots on their back. [6] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to sourceAdvertisement -
See if the bug has wings. Adult and juvenile bed bugs don't have wings. Check any bugs you see for visible wings or anything that folds onto their bodies. Avoid confusing the typical accordion-like folds on the bodies of adult and juvenile bedbugs for wings. [7] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source -
Count the bugs' legs. Check the bugs and figure out how many legs they have. Bedbugs have six legs. [8] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source Their legs are usually closer to their heads and eyes. Avoid counting the two antennae as legs. [9] X Research source- You may need a magnifying glass to do this, as bedbugs are very small.
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Identify two antennae. At the top of the bug's head, look for two antennae that protrude from near the eyes. The antennae will be shorter than the bedbug's legs. [10] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source -
Observe two small eyes. Look at the front of the bug's body near the antennae. Bedbugs have small, dark and protruding eyes. [11] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source -
Use a magnifying glass to find bedbug eggs. If you find adult and juvenile bedbugs, use a magnifying glass to check the area for bedbug eggs or eggshells. Check for little brown or yellowish-white dots that are about the size of a grain of salt and an elongated shape. [12] X Expert Source Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019. Look for the following other signs that can indicate bedbug eggs: [13] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source- Small specks that adhere to surfaces, like bedsheets, which you can't shake or brush off.
- If the eggs have already hatched, they'll leave eggshells on surfaces if already hatched.
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Recognize the developmental stages of bedbugs. Three developmental stages of bedbug may infest a space: adult, juvenile, and eggs. Each has a slightly different appearance, so looking for all three if you suspect an infestation can help confirm if you have bedbugs. [14] X Trustworthy Source State of New York Official website for the State of New York Go to source
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Scan your skin for bite marks. Bedbugs are most active at night and you may wake up with itchy bites on any part of your skin. A bedbug can bite anywhere on your body, but your face, neck, arms, and hands are the most common spots. Bedbugs will often bite your feet first, both on the soles and on the tops of your feet. They may also bite folds of skin, such as around the armpit or groin. Check any itchy areas of your skin for the following signs: [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Red spot with darker red area in the middle
- Itching
- Bites or bumps arranged in a rough line or cluster
- Blisters or hives at the bite spot [16] X Research source
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Inspect mattresses and textiles for reddish stains. Any time you clean or change linens or even suspect a bedbug infestation, look for reddish or rusty-colored stains. Check areas on which you sleep especially closely. These stains can indicate crushed bedbugs and may signal an infestation. [17] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source- Don't limit your inspection to clothing and bedding. Check your mattress, the fabric of furniture, suitcases, and any other places where bedbugs can quickly grab on to your skin for a meal. It's unlikely they'll be on your suitcase, but it's worth checking to be sure.
- If you're staying at a hotel, check the sheets of your bed.
- Stains will remain even after sheets have been washed well.
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Identify signs of bedbug excrement. Look on white- or cream-colored textiles and furniture for dark spots that are about the size of a pencil head. See if the spots have bled out into the fabric. These may be bedbug excrement and signal an active infestation. [18] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source- It may be difficult to see these spots on colored furniture or in suitcases, due to their dark color.
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Detect bedbugs in their hiding spots. You may also recognize bedbugs by checking their typical hiding spots. This can not only help you identify a potential infestation but also what you should look for in other spaces of your home, office, or accommodations. Look in the following typical hiding places of bedbugs: [19] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source- Near piping
- Seams and tags of mattresses and box springs
- Bed frames and headboards
- Seams of chairs, couches, and between cushions
- Folds of curtains
- Drawer joints
- Electrical appliances
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Join the Discussion...
I truly, deeply hate to say it...but I'm afriad that I have bed bugs. I haven't found a beg bug YET, but I've been waking up itchy all week. I'm... Read More
Are the bites kind of like small mosquito bites? Do they appear in clusters or lines—especially in areas where you might sweat a lot at night?... Read More
You’re probably not going to have a ton of bites if the infestation is new, but I’d assume you have bed bugs even if you only have a few bite... Read More
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat bugs are commonly mistaken for bed bugs?Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.The list is long, as it is very common to mistake other bugs for bed bugs. The most common bugs include carpet beetles, cockroach nymphs, Shiny Spider beetles, and book lice.
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QuestionCan you have bed bugs and not see them?Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.Bed bugs, nymphs, and all of their forms are 100% visible to the human eye as long as you have proper lighting. Bed bug eggs are also visible and are usually the size of a pinhead. Ideally, you want to have a good high powered flashlight to inspect for bed bugs. Check for bugs in your bed and all the cracks and crevices in your home.
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QuestionHow do you kill bed bugs?Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.Once you find bed bugs, they are pretty easily killed. You can remove bed bugs by either vacuuming and disposing of the vacuum bag or through Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Make sure to use alcohol that is at least 80%.
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Tips
- For a stubborn infestation, call an exterminator. Having professional help can also minimize the risk of reinfestation from lingering bugs. [20] X Expert Source Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.Thanks - To get rid of bedbugs, wash your clothes and towels in hot water. Buy new sheets and pillows and change your mattress if possible.Thanks
- Be as through as possible when you are diagnosing, and especially when treating a bed bug problem, so it doesn't become an infestation that you can not handle. Take your time and follow all the steps because you would hate for it to get worse.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- I spent a good 30 minutes examining every nook and cranny of my bed frame and mattress after finding red spots on the mattress pad. Didn't find anything, but the black dust that had settled into the crevices was ultimately the clue I needed to incriminate fleas from my cat as the culprit. Our vet said that flea dirt turns red when it gets wet (in my case, the heat and moisture coming from my body while I slept) and can look similar to bed bug fecal matter. So if you have pets, look for that black dirt before panicking, because fleas are much easier to deal with!
- Be careful when you go to hotels, motels, Airbnbs...anywhere lots of people come and go. Bedbugs may latch onto you or your luggage and come home with you! Before staying at a hotel, look at reviews to see if anyone mentions seeing bugs there.
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Warnings
- Adult bedbugs can survive for several months without a host to feed on.Thanks
- Bedbugs are excellent travelers. Inspect any textiles before bringing them into your home. When you travel, look for bedbugs or signs of them in locations you're staying.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/bed-bugs/bed-bugs/
- ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
- ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs#signs
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/bed-bugs-in-residences/
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/bedbugs/bed-bugs-identify-a-bed-bug.pdf
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bedbugs/basics/symptoms/con-20026119
- ↑ http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/bed-bug-bites#3
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs#signs
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs#signs
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs#signs
- ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
About This Article
Article Summary
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To recognize bed bugs, check your skin for any bite marks, which will look like red spots with a darker red area in the middle. Also, inspect your mattress and bedding for red or rust-colored stains since bed bugs leave behind a stain when they're crushed. If you suspect you have bed bugs, try to locate them by searching your bed frame, mattress, box spring, curtains, and any other seams or joints in your room. To learn what bed bugs and their eggs look like, keep reading!
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