Bedbugs are blood-sucking pests that can intensify allergies, cause health problems, and reduce your quality of life. A bedbug infestation isn’t always easy to spot, but you can get a head start on ridding your home of bedbugs if you know which signs to look for. Read our guide below for tips on how to identify bedbugs and how to exterminate them completely.

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Early Signs of Bedbugs

Bedbugs are tiny and great at hiding, but you can spot them with proper guidance. Some of the earliest signs of bedbugs are included below.

Blood Spots

If you notice unexplained blood spots on your bedsheets in the morning, you could be facing a bedbug problem. This spotting could happen for two reasons:

• Bedbugs expel some blood while traveling back to their hiding places.
• Blood drips from the body after a bedbug finishes eating.

Examine your body for bites as soon as you notice potential blood spots.

Egg Shells

Female bedbugs lay tiny, white eggs that are difficult to see with the naked eye. The bedbugs’ 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

Bedbug 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 bedbug infestation immediately.

Musty Odor

Live bedbugs produce pheromones that smell like must, mildew, or a damp basement. The scent intensifies as it mixes with bedbug excrement. Act immediately if you notice this smell, as there’s probably a bedbug infestation on the horizon.

Reddish Stains on Bedding

Bedbugs 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 bedbugs will only collect in or around your bed. If you suspect an infestation, expand your search to other areas.

Shed Skin

Bedbugs have an exoskeleton that they shed at least five times before they become adults. Shed skin, also called molted skin, looks like a bedbug but is translucent. You’re likely to spot many of these lying around if bedbugs are, indeed, infesting.

If you’re dealing with a small bedbug infestation, shed skin can be anywhere. If the infestation is larger, shed skin will probably collect around one spot where the bedbugs live.

Visible Bedbugs

The most obvious sign of a bedbug infestation is the sight of the insects themselves. Bedbugs 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.

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Identifying Bedbugs

To correctly identify a tiny bedbug, you must get an especially close look. Check for the following signs, which are usually classic characteristics:

• Antennae: Bedbugs have segmented antennae that protrude forward. Antennae help bedbugs detect heat, carbon dioxide, and other clues that food is nearby.
• Color: An adult bedbug has a distinct reddish-brown color. Young bedbugs, or nymphs, may be lighter and almost translucent before feeding.
• Size and shape: A bedbug has an oval shape and is around 5 millimeters long. An unfed bedbug is flat, but a bedbug’s body swells and elongates once it sucks blood.

Bedbugs can’t fly but are excellent climbers and hiders. They easily maneuver across surfaces and can squeeze into tiny crevices.

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Bedbugs vs. Other Pests

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Health Risks Associated With Bedbugs

Bedbugs don’t transmit diseases the way that some other insects do but still pose health risks. 

Allergic Reactions

Bedbug 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 bedbug bites.

Secondary Skin Infections

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.

Mental Health Impact

Worrying about bedbug bites may lead to poor sleep, relentless thoughts about the infestation, or pronounced stress.

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How To Fight a Bedbug Infestation

Act as soon as you notice the early signs of a bedbug infestation. The faster you address these pests, the likelier you are to avoid a serious issue.

DIY Bedbug Removal

Employ do-it-yourself (DIY) bedbug removal strategies to minimize potential pest control costs. There are two ways you can try to remove bedbugs by yourself.

Without Pesticides

• Dry bedding at your dryer’s hottest setting to get rid of bedbugs and their eggs.
• Cover your mattress with a bug-proof encasement which will kill existing bedbugs 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 bedbugs after treatment and repeat steps if necessary.

Read more about DIY removal options in our bedbug checklist.

Professional Bedbug Removal

If you have health issues that bedbugs 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 bedbug 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.

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Our Conclusion

Bedbugs 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.

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FAQ About Early Signs of Bedbugs

How can I tell if I have bedbugs?

You can tell you have bedbugs 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 bedbugs?

Homeowners can spot bedbugs 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 bedbugs?

It’ll be obvious that you have bedbugs as the number of insects increases. You may not notice bedbugs when there are only a few of them.

What do bedbug bites look like?

Bedbug 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 bedbugs in a bedroom?

The common hiding spots for bedbugs in a bedroom are mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, clothing, clutter, electrical outlets, carpets, and wall hangings.

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