How can you check furniture for bedbugs? - briefly
Examine seams, joints, cushions and hidden crevices under a bright light, searching for live bugs, tiny dark‑red spots, or shed exoskeletons. Use a fine‑tooth comb or clear adhesive tape to collect any suspicious material for closer examination.
How can you check furniture for bedbugs? - in detail
Inspecting furniture for bedbugs requires a systematic visual examination and the use of specialized tools. Begin by removing all removable covers, cushions, and fabrics. Examine seams, folds, and stitching with a bright light source or a magnifying glass. Look for live insects, which appear as small, reddish‑brown oval bodies about 4–5 mm long, and for their dark, rust‑colored excrement, which resembles tiny specks of pepper.
Next, focus on hard‑to‑see areas:
- Undersides of seats, armrests, and legs.
- Inside drawers, cabinets, and any hollow compartments.
- Junctions where fabric meets wood or metal.
- Cracks, crevices, and joints in upholstered items.
Use a fine‑toothed comb or a disposable lint roller to sweep across fabric surfaces; any captured material can be examined under a magnifier. A portable LED flashlight with a focused beam helps reveal insects hidden in deep folds.
If visual signs are ambiguous, employ a bedbug detection device such as a passive interceptor trap placed under furniture legs. The trap collects insects that wander onto it, allowing later identification. For a more definitive assessment, consider using a handheld CO₂ or heat lure that attracts bedbugs; captured specimens confirm presence.
Document findings with photographs, noting the exact locations of any evidence. This record assists pest‑control professionals in targeting treatment and in monitoring the effectiveness of subsequent interventions. Regular inspections—monthly for high‑risk environments and after any relocation of furniture—prevent infestations from becoming established.