How to check if there are bedbugs on the bed? - briefly
Examine the mattress seams, headboard, and bedding with a flashlight and magnifying glass for small reddish‑brown spots, live bugs, or shed skins, and run a white sheet over the surface to spot any movement. If any of these signs appear, bedbugs are present.
How to check if there are bedbugs on the bed? - in detail
Inspect the mattress seams, corners, and the area where the mattress meets the box spring. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens to reveal small, reddish‑brown insects about the size of an apple seed. Look for live bugs, dark‑colored spots (excrement), and tiny, white, oval eggs.
Examine the headboard, bed frame, and any nearby furniture. Bedbugs hide in cracks, joints, and upholstered cushions. Pull back fabric, check behind panels, and feel for shed skins that resemble translucent shells.
Place sticky interceptors under each leg of the bed. After 24–48 hours, any trapped insects confirm activity.
If a mattress encasement is present, turn it inside out and inspect the seam for the same signs.
Use a vacuum equipped with a narrow nozzle to collect visible insects and debris. Empty the canister into a sealed bag for later identification.
For thoroughness, repeat the visual survey after a night of undisturbed sleep, as bedbugs often emerge when the host is present.
When uncertainty remains, capture suspect specimens in a clear container and consult a licensed pest‑control professional for definitive identification.