How do sofas infested with bedbugs look? - briefly
Infested sofas display tiny reddish‑brown smears from crushed bugs, as well as white eggs and discarded exoskeletons near seams, cushions and crevices. Dark spots of blood or fecal stains may also be visible on the upholstery.
How do sofas infested with bedbugs look? - in detail
A sofa that harbors bed bugs exhibits several unmistakable visual cues. Adult insects are small, reddish‑brown, and about the size of an apple seed. They may be seen crawling on cushions, armrests, or the underside of the frame, especially near seams and folds. Their bodies become darker after feeding, making them easier to spot.
Eggs appear as tiny, white‑to‑cream specks, often clustered in crevices, stitching, or the fabric’s backing. These clusters can be mistaken for lint but are usually arranged in linear rows or groups of 5‑7.
Excrement stains are another reliable indicator. Bed bug feces look like tiny dark spots, similar to pepper grains, and are commonly found on fabric, cushion covers, and the wooden or metal parts of the sofa. When the spots are moistened, they may turn reddish due to the presence of digested blood.
Skin sloughs and shed exoskeletons are also present. After molting, the insects leave behind translucent shells that resemble empty shells of the adult form. These shells are typically found near the same areas where live bugs congregate.
A thorough inspection should include:
- Removal of slipcovers and examination of the inner lining.
- Inspection of stitching, seams, and buttonholes.
- Use of a magnifying glass or flashlight to detect tiny eggs and fecal spots.
- Gentle probing of cushions and frame joints with a flat tool to dislodge hidden insects.
If multiple signs appear simultaneously—live bugs, egg clusters, fecal stains, and shed skins—the sofa is confirmed to be infested. Immediate treatment, such as professional heat or chemical remediation, is required to eliminate the infestation.