Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed on human blood. They are often difficult to detect in the early stages of an infestation. However, with a trained eye and proactive monitoring, it is possible to spot signs of bed bugs early on.
What do bed bugs look like?
Adult bed bugs are about the size, shape and color of an apple seed. They are wingless, rusty red or mahogany in color, and they have flat, oval-shaped bodies. Young nymphs are much smaller, only about the size of a poppy seed, and they are nearly colorless except after feeding. Both adults and nymphs become swollen and elongated after feeding.
Unfed bed bugs are flat and able to hide in cracks and crevices. After feeding, their bodies become engorged and elongate and they take on a reddish color. Newly hatched first instar nymphs are nearly colorless and very difficult to see without magnification.
| Life Stage | Size | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 1/4 inch long | Rusty red or mahogany |
| Nymph | 1/16 inch long | Nearly colorless except after feeding |
Where do bed bugs hide?
During the day, bed bugs tend to hide close to where people sleep. Their flattened bodies allow them to fit into tiny crevices, especially those associated with mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards. Bed bugs do not have nests like ants or bees, but tend to congregate in habitual hiding places.
Some common places bed bugs hide include:
- Seams, folds and crevices of mattresses and box springs
- Cracks and spaces in bed frames and headboards
- Behind loose wallpaper or peeling paint
- Inside furniture upholstery seams
- Under carpeting near baseboards
- Inside electronics like alarm clocks and phones
- Inside picture frames and furniture joints
During an active infestation, bed bugs will spread beyond the bed, hiding inside cracks in floors, furniture, electrical outlets and curtains. Clutter offers additional places for bed bugs to hide.
What are the early signs of bed bugs?
Some of the earliest signs that may indicate the presence of bed bugs include:
1. Small dark stains on sheets and mattresses
These spots are bed bug excrement and may bleed onto fabric like a marker. Fresh spots will be wet and sticky. Older spots will be dry and can be scraped off.
2. Molted bed bug skins
As bed bugs grow, they shed their skin. The translucent, empty shells remain behind and can be found in the crevices where bed bugs hide.
3. Unexplained bites or welts on skin
Bites often appear as small red bumps in zigzag lines or clusters. Some people may not react at all. Bites can take days or weeks to appear after exposure.
4. A sweet, musty odor
Bed bugs release pheromones and excrete a smell that is distinct and unpleasant but not extremely strong. The odor is often described as sweet, floral or musty.
5. Small red or rust-colored spots on mattresses and bedding
These could be bed bug blood stains or crushed bugs. Red spots found in or around sleeping areas should be investigated. Mattress seams should be examined closely using a flashlight.
6. White eggs and eggshells
Bed bug eggs are tiny and white. They are laid in the crevices where bed bugs like to hide. Look along mattress seams and furniture cracks with a flashlight to spot their small pearl-shaped eggs or empty whitish eggshells.
Can you see live bed bugs?
Actually seeing a living, moving bed bug is possible during the early stages of an infestation, but it can be difficult due to their small size. Nymphs and adults actively avoid light and will scatter quickly when disturbed. The best time to search is at night when bed bugs are most active.
Some tips for spotting live bed bugs include:
- Pull back sheets very slowly and carefully scan the mattress seams using a flashlight.
- Look in cracks and crevices of the bed frame, headboard, furniture, baseboards and electrical outlets.
- Use a steamer on mattress seams to flush out bed bugs.
- Place some double-sided sticky tape around the legs of the bed to trap bugs.
- Install pitfall-style bed bug monitors under furniture legs.
Seeing cast skins, eggs or blood spots is much more common than observing live, moving bed bugs. However, it only takes one bed bug to start an infestation. Any signs of bed bugs should be taken seriously.
Inspecting for early signs
To maximize your chances of detecting an early infestation, follow these inspection tips:
- Target the areas around sleeping and resting spots first.
- Use a strong flashlight to illuminate dark corners and crevices.
- Wash and dry bed linens on high heat weekly to eliminate eggs and bugs.
- Vacuum carpets, furniture and baseboards frequently.
- Seal cracks and crevices where bed bugs can hide.
- Use a steamer on mattresses and upholstery to flush out bugs.
Conduct regular inspections and don’t ignore small signs of an infestation. The sooner bed bugs are detected, the easier they are to get rid of.
Conclusion
Spotting bed bugs in the early stages of an infestation can be challenging but it is possible with persistent and targeted inspections. Some of the earliest signs that may indicate their presence include dark fecal stains, molted skins, bites, a sweet musty odor, blood spots on bedding, white eggs and eggshells.
Actually observing a live bug is difficult due to their hiding behavior. But any indication of bed bugs should be taken seriously and treated proactively.
Frequent monitoring and attention to subtle early signs are key. Focus inspections around beds and upholstered furniture. Eliminate clutter to reduce hiding spots. Thoroughly clean and vacuum regularly. With vigilance, bed bugs can be detected and eliminated before populations escalate.
Bed bugs are elusive pests in the initial stages of infestation. But armed with knowledge of the early warning signs, prompt action can help prevent widespread, stubborn infestations before they get out of hand.
Here are some additional tips for spotting bed bugs early:
Carefully inspect crevices and joints of the mattress
Use a flashlight to look along every seam, tuft, fold and edge of the mattress. Peel back the fabric tag on the mattress edge if possible. Inspect the mattress piping and stitching. Also check inside the mattress cover zipper, beneath mattress buttons, and under corner guard patches.
Check cracks and spaces in the bed frame and headboard
Use a credit card to scrape out material from cracks. Inspect wood joints and inside hollow bed posts. peer underneath headboard decorations or medallions.
Inspect walls, baseboards, outlets and picture frames
Bed bugs often crawl up walls and hide behind outlets, light switch plates, curtains, pictures and posters near sleeping areas. Carefully remove outlet covers and switch plates to inspect. Shine a flashlight inside curtain rods and underneath rugs and furniture placed against baseboards.
Install monitoring devices under furniture legs
Double-sided sticky traps or pitfall-style monitors can help catch bed bugs. Place these under the legs of beds, sofas and chairs to passively monitor for early signs of activity.
Regularly steam clean or vacuum
Use a handheld steamer to kill bed bugs and eggs hidden in cracks and crevices. Pay close attention to seams, tufts and edges of mattresses. After steaming, vacuum thoroughly to remove bed bugs and debris brought to the surface.
Look for signs of eggs and shedding
Inspect mattress piping, seams, tufts, crevices and cracks for empty white eggshells. Also look for translucent brownish shed skins and husks where juvenile bed bugs molted.
Pay attention to bites or welts on skin
Bites may appear days or weeks after exposure due to delayed reactions. Notice any clusters, lines or streaks of red bumps or welts on your skin. Carefully inspect the bites for any visible insects.
Inspect infrequently used beds, furniture and rooms
Bed bugs can spread from other rooms and lay dormant. Give special attention to guest rooms and beds, pull-out couches, recliners and overstuffed chairs. Carefully inspect their seams, folds and crevices.
Isolate and protect the mattress and box spring
Covering mattresses and box springs with encasements can help isolate bugs and their eggs. Any bugs trapped inside will die. Leave encasements on for at least 1-2 years because bed bugs can survive over a year without feeding.
Being attentive to the subtle early signs of bed bugs and thoroughly inspecting areas where they hide can increase the chances of early detection. The sooner their presence is confirmed, the faster steps can be taken to eliminate the infestation before it multiplies and spreads.