How can you tell that bedbugs have appeared in a house? - briefly
Look for tiny reddish‑brown insects about the size of an apple seed, small dark fecal spots on bedding or furniture, faint reddish stains on sheets, and a sweet, musty odor, especially around mattress seams, box‑spring tags, and wall cracks.
How can you tell that bedbugs have appeared in a house? - in detail
Detecting a bedbug infestation requires careful observation of several distinct indicators.
First, examine sleeping surfaces. Small, reddish‑brown spots measuring 1–2 mm may appear on mattress seams, sheets, or pillowcases. These are fecal stains left by the insects after feeding. A darker, rusty‑colored spot can be a crushed bug.
Second, look for the insects themselves. Adult bedbugs are oval, flat, and about the size of an apple seed. Nymphs are smaller and lighter in color. They hide in cracks and crevices near where people rest: mattress edges, box‑spring folds, headboard joints, picture frames, and baseboard gaps. Use a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to sweep these areas.
Third, search for shed skins. As bedbugs molt, they leave behind translucent exoskeletons. These skins are often found near the same hiding places as the live insects.
Fourth, monitor for bites. While not exclusive to bedbugs, clusters of small, red, itchy welts arranged in a line or zig‑zag pattern on exposed skin may suggest feeding activity.
Fifth, employ detection tools. Sticky traps placed under bed legs capture wandering bugs. Interceptor cups fitted to each leg prevent insects from climbing onto the mattress and provide visual evidence of presence.
Finally, consider professional inspection. Trained pest control specialists use trained canines or specialized equipment to locate hidden populations with greater accuracy.
By systematically checking these signs—stains, live bugs, exuviae, bite patterns, and trap captures—homeowners can confirm whether a bedbug problem exists and act promptly to address it.