How to check if there are bedbugs at home? - briefly
Inspect mattress seams, box‑spring, and furniture crevices with a bright light, looking for live insects, shed skins, or dark specks of excrement. Complement visual checks with passive interceptors placed under bed legs for several days.
How to check if there are bedbugs at home? - in detail
Bedbugs leave distinct evidence that can be identified through systematic inspection. Begin with the sleeping area, separating the mattress from the box spring. Use a bright flashlight to examine seams, tufts, and folds for live insects, dark‑brown bodies, or translucent exuviae. Small, rust‑colored spots on sheets or pillowcases indicate fecal deposits; these spots often appear as tiny specks near the edges of the mattress.
Next, inspect the headboard, bed frame, and any adjacent furniture. Remove fabric covers and pull back wooden panels to reveal cracks where insects hide. Check behind picture frames, wall hangings, and electrical outlets, as bedbugs frequently occupy these concealed spaces.
For a more comprehensive survey, place passive interceptors beneath each leg of the bed and furniture. The smooth outer surface directs insects upward, while a rough inner surface traps them. Replace the devices after 48 hours and examine for captured specimens.
Consider using specially formulated glue traps placed near suspected hiding spots. Traps with a pheromone lure increase capture rates and provide visual confirmation. If uncertainty remains, professional detection dogs can be employed; they are trained to scent live bedbugs and can cover large areas quickly.
When evidence is found, collect specimens in a sealed container for laboratory confirmation. Document the location, type of evidence, and date of discovery to guide subsequent treatment decisions. Regular monitoring, at least once a month, helps detect re‑infestations early and prevents widespread spread.