Bed bugs can quickly cause a nightmare scenario, affecting your health and quality of life. These tiny, blood-sucking pests are experts at hiding, making infestations hard to spot until it’s too late. But knowing the signs of a bed bug infestation can help you tackle the problem before it spirals out of control. Our guide will walk you through how to identify bed bugs and eliminate these insects for good, so you can get back to a peaceful, pest-free home.
Early Signs of Bed bugs
Bed bugs are tiny and great at hiding, but you can spot these insects with proper guidance. We list some of the earliest signs of bed bugs below.
Blood Spots
If you notice unexplained blood spots on your bedsheets in the morning, you could have a bed bug problem. This spotting could happen for two reasons:
- Bed bugs expel some blood while traveling back to their hiding places.
- Blood drips from the body after a bed bug finishes eating.
Examine your body for bites as soon as you notice potential blood spots.
Egg Shells
Female bed bugs lay tiny, white eggs that are difficult to see with the naked eye. The bed bugs’ egg shells are somewhat easier to spot since they’re translucent and about the size of a pinhead. If you notice a small collection, you might be facing an infestation.
Itchy Bites
Bed bug bites cause some people to develop itchy, red welts or hives on their skin. You can usually notice three to five bites at a time in zigzag patterns. If you notice such bites, search for other signs of a bed bug infestation immediately.
Musty Odor
Live bed bugs produce pheromones that smell like must, mildew, or a damp basement. The scent intensifies as it mixes with bed bug excrement. Act immediately if you notice this smell, as there’s probably a bed bug infestation on the horizon.
Reddish Stains on Bedding
Bed bugs leave fecal spots that look like small, reddish-brown blotches. You can find them on sheets, mattresses, upholstery, loose wallpaper, or the spots listed below.
- Around electrical outlets with covers
- In curtain folds
- In drawers and storage spaces
- In magazines and books
- Inside clothing
- Under the carpet
Don’t assume that bed bugs will only collect in or around your bed. If you suspect an infestation, expand your search to other areas.
Shed Skin
Bed bugs have an exoskeleton that they shed at least five times before they become adults. Shed skin, also called molted skin, looks like a bed bug but is translucent. You’re likely to spot many of these lying around if bed bugs are, indeed, infesting.
If you’re dealing with a small bed bug infestation, shed skin can be anywhere. If the infestation is larger, shed skin will probably collect around one spot where the bed bugs live.
Visible Bed Bugs
The most obvious sign of a bed bug infestation is the sight of the insects themselves. Bed bugs are nocturnal but sometimes come out during the day. Look for small, reddish-brown insects that are the size of an apple seed on your bed or furniture.
Identifying Bed Bugs
To correctly identify a tiny bed bug, you must get an especially close look. Check for the following signs, which are usually classic characteristics:
- Antennae: Bed bugs have segmented antennae that protrude forward. Antennae help bed bugs detect heat, carbon dioxide, and other clues that food is nearby.
- Color: An adult bed bug has a distinct reddish-brown color. Young bed bugs, or nymphs, may be lighter and almost translucent before feeding.
- Size and shape: A bed bug has an oval shape and is around 5 millimeters long. An unfed bed bug is flat, but a bed bug’s body swells and elongates once it sucks blood.
Bed bugs can’t fly but are excellent climbers and hiders. They easily maneuver across surfaces and can squeeze into tiny crevices.
Learn More: How To Identify Small Black Bugs
Bed Bugs vs. Other Pests
Not sure which type of pest you have in your home? Compare the features of bed bugs against other small insects to learn more.
| Pest Type | Bed Bugs | Fleas | Dust Mites |
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Common features |
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Signs of infestation |
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Health Risks Associated With Bed Bugs
Bed bugs don’t transmit diseases the way that some other insects do but still pose health risks.
Bed bug bites can trigger allergic reactions in certain people. Reactions include mild itchiness, enlarged bite marks, or painful swelling. In rare cases, bites may cause anaphylactic shock.
If you or your family members are allergic to insect bites, pollen, or food, you’re more likely to experience an allergic reaction to bed bug bites.
If you scratch the site of a bite, you might contract a secondary skin infection such as cellulitis or impetigo. These infections may go away on their own or could require the application of antiseptic or antibiotics.
Worrying about bed bug bites may lead to poor sleep, relentless thoughts about the infestation, or pronounced stress.
How To Fight a Bed Bug Infestation
Act as soon as you notice the early signs of a bed bug infestation. The faster you address these pests, the likelier you are to avoid a serious issue.
DIY Bed Bug Removal
Employ do-it-yourself (DIY) bed bug removal strategies to minimize potential pest control costs. There are two ways you can try to remove bed bugs by yourself.
Without Pesticides
- Dry bedding at your dryer’s hottest setting to get rid of bed bugs and their eggs.
- Cover your mattress with a bug-proof encasement which will kill existing bed bugs and prevent new ones from entering.
- Use a steam cleaner with a high heat setting to treat all infested surfaces. Pay special attention to mattress seams and furniture joints.
- Vacuum-infested areas, including mattresses, couches, pillowcases, and baseboards. Use a vacuum cleaner with disposable bags.
- Wash bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water.
With Pesticides
- Apply pesticide to infested areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Choose a pesticide with a low toxicity level. The most common option is diatomaceous earth.
- Watch for signs of bed bugs after treatment and repeat steps if necessary.
Read more about DIY removal options in our bed bug checklist.
Professional Bed Bug Removal
If you have health issues that bed bugs might trigger or if you’re uncomfortable with employing DIY techniques, consider professional extermination. Research pest control companies in your area and ask for recommendations. Professional pest control teams can assess the level of infestation, locate the bugs’ hiding places, and implement the correct extermination strategies.
The average cost of professional bed bug extermination is $1,750, though it can range from $300 to $5,000. The price ultimately depends on the extent of the infestation, the size of your property, and the extermination techniques used by professionals.
Our Conclusion
Bed bugs may temporarily ruin your quality of life by leaving dark spots on your bedding and clothing, triggering allergic reactions, and leaving you with anxiety and stress. Act quickly if you notice early signs of a potential infestation and consider hiring professional exterminators if you’d rather avoid DIY methods.
FAQs About the Early Signs of Bed Bugs
How can I tell if I have bed bugs?
You can tell you have bed bugs if you notice reddish-brown spots or bloodstains on your linens and upholstery. You may also notice eggshells or shed skin lying around your home. Common places to look are near beds, couches, folds of curtains, and dressers.
How long does it take to notice bed bugs?
Homeowners can spot bed bugs in just a few days if they’re actively paying attention for signs. Noticing the first signs of an infestation may take weeks otherwise.
Will it be obvious if I have bed bugs?
It’ll be obvious that you have bed bugs as the number of insects increases. You may not notice bed bugs when there are only a few of them.
What do bed bug bites look like?
Bed bug bites look like red marks on the skin. You can usually find three to five of them arranged in a zigzag pattern.
What are common hiding spots for bed bugs in a bedroom?
The common hiding spots for bed bugs in a bedroom are mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, clothing, clutter, electrical outlets, carpets, and wall hangings.
