How can you check for bedbugs in a house? - briefly
Inspect mattress seams, box springs, furniture joints, and baseboard cracks for live bugs, tiny dark spots, or shed exoskeletons using a bright flashlight and a stiff brush. Deploy passive interceptors beneath bed legs and consider a professional visual survey or canine detection for definitive confirmation.
How can you check for bedbugs in a house? - in detail
Detecting bed‑bug infestations requires a systematic visual and tactile examination of likely harborages, combined with the use of specialized tools. Begin by gathering a bright flashlight, a magnifying glass (10‑20×), a disposable glove, a piece of clear tape, and a vacuum cleaner with a sealed bag.
Inspect sleeping areas first. Remove all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, mattress covers, and blankets. Examine the mattress seams, tufts, and tags for live insects, dark‑brown to reddish‑black spots (fecal stains), or tiny white shells (exuviae). Press a piece of clear tape against the fabric; any trapped insects will be visible under magnification.
Next, check the box spring, headboard, and bed frame. Look in screw holes, joints, and any fabric or wood cracks. Use the flashlight at an angle to reveal the insects’ reflective bodies.
Proceed to upholstered furniture. Lift cushions, pull apart seams, and inspect the foam core. Bed‑bugs often hide in the folds of cushions and the stitching of sofas and chairs.
Examine cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and flooring. Focus on areas near the bed: behind picture frames, electrical outlets, and under loose wallpaper. A thin, flexible inspection tool such as a bent wire can probe narrow gaps.
Inspect personal items that remain in the bedroom: luggage, backpacks, clothing piles, and pet bedding. Place each item in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours; a live insect will become active and can be captured with the tape method.
Finally, conduct a thorough vacuum of all inspected surfaces. Immediately seal the vacuum bag or canister in a plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash receptacle.
If any evidence is found—live insects, shed skins, fecal spots, or eggs—treat the area promptly with heat (temperatures above 45 °C for several hours) or a certified insecticide, and consider professional pest‑management services for comprehensive eradication.