How can you see bedbugs? - briefly
Examine mattress seams, box‑spring folds, and bedding under a bright light, looking for tiny, reddish‑brown, oval insects about 4–5 mm long. A magnifying lens helps spot their dark bodies and pale eggs.
How can you see bedbugs? - in detail
Detecting bedbugs requires systematic visual inspection. Begin by removing bedding and examining the mattress seams, folds, and tags. Use a bright LED flashlight to illuminate dark crevices; a magnifying glass (10‑20×) reveals the tiny insects, which measure 4–5 mm in length and have a flattened, oval shape. Look for live specimens, which are reddish‑brown before feeding and become whitish after blood intake.
Identify indirect evidence as well:
- Small dark spots (fecal stains) on sheets or walls.
- Tiny, translucent exuviae shed after molting.
- Rust‑colored spots (ingested blood) on mattress fabric.
- Presence of eggs, about 1 mm, clustered in seams or behind headboards.
Conduct the inspection at night or in a dimly lit room, as bedbugs are more active after dark and may retreat when illuminated. Scan the following locations:
- Mattress edges, especially around the box spring.
- Bed frame joints, headboard, and footboard.
- Upholstered furniture seams and cushions.
- Baseboard cracks, electrical outlet covers, and wall hangings.
- Luggage racks, suitcase seams, and travel bags after trips.
If handheld tools are unavailable, a piece of clear tape pressed against suspected areas can capture specimens for later examination under a smartphone camera. For thoroughness, repeat the survey weekly for at least two months, as eggs hatch in 5–10 days and adult activity may be intermittent.