How to determine if it's a bedbug? - briefly
Look for tiny (≈5 mm), reddish‑brown, oval insects that are flat when unfed and become swollen after feeding, typically hidden in mattress seams, box‑spring crevices, or headboard cracks; confirm by spotting dark‑brown fecal spots, shed skins, or a sweet, musty odor. Inspect for clusters of itchy, line‑pattern bites on exposed skin, especially after sleeping.
How to determine if it's a bedbug? - in detail
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval insects about 4–5 mm long when unfed and 6–7 mm after a blood meal. Their bodies are reddish‑brown, with a smooth, non‑shiny exoskeleton. Visible features include a pointed head, six legs, and two antennae, each less than 1 mm. After feeding, their abdomen swells and turns a deeper red.
Key visual clues:
- Live insects: found in creases of mattresses, box‑spring seams, headboard joints, and behind baseboard cracks.
- Exuviae: translucent shells shed after molting, resembling empty shells of the same size.
- Fecal spots: dark, rust‑colored specks on bedding or furniture, often near feeding sites.
- Blood stains: small, reddish spots on sheets, resulting from crushed bugs.
- Odor: a sweet, musty smell detectable in heavily infested areas.
Distinguishing characteristics compared with similar pests:
- Fleas: jump actively, are darker, have laterally compressed bodies, and leave bite marks on the lower legs.
- Carpet mites: microscopic, do not bite humans, and are found mainly in carpets.
- Cockroach nymphs: have longer antennae, lighter coloration, and are more mobile.
Systematic inspection procedure:
- Prepare: remove bedding, wash and dry on high heat. Use a bright flashlight or a headlamp.
- Examine seams: run a fingertip along mattress and box‑spring seams; look for live bugs, shells, or feces.
- Inspect furniture: pull apart cushions, check under upholstery, and examine wooden cracks.
- Check walls and baseboards: use a thin probe or a bent wire to explore tight spaces.
- Collect evidence: place suspected material in a sealed bag for later microscopic confirmation.
- Set traps: place interceptor cups under each leg of the bed; monitor for trapped insects over several days.
- Consider professional tools: canine scent detectors or specialized monitors can locate hidden populations.
If multiple evidence types (live insects, exuviae, fecal spots) appear in the same area, the presence of bed bugs is confirmed. Absence of these signs after thorough inspection suggests that other insects may be responsible for observed issues.