How to search for bedbugs? - briefly
Inspect mattress seams, folds, and headboard joints for live bugs, shed skins, or tiny dark spots using a flashlight and magnifying glass. Place interceptor traps beneath the bed legs to capture any hidden insects and verify infestation.
How to search for bedbugs? - in detail
Inspect sleeping surfaces first. Examine mattress seams, tags, and under the box spring for small, rust‑colored spots (fecal stains) or live insects. Use a bright flashlight and a magnifying glass to increase visibility.
Check furniture that contacts the bed. Pull back headboards, nightstands, and upholstered chairs. Look for insects in seams, cushions, and crevices. Pay special attention to the edges of frames and any fabric folds.
Survey surrounding walls and floor. Scan baseboards, picture frames, and electrical outlets for tiny dark specks. Use a thin, stiff card to probe cracks and hidden spaces.
Employ detection tools. A white‑light or UV lamp reveals fecal stains that fluoresce. Sticky interceptors placed under legs of beds and sofas capture wandering insects for later identification. Bed‑bug monitors with carbon dioxide or heat attractants can be positioned near suspected harborage.
Document findings. Photograph each suspect area, note the exact location, and record the number of insects or evidence items observed. This information aids in assessing infestation severity and planning treatment.
If visual confirmation is uncertain, collect samples. Use a small piece of clear tape to lift suspected bugs or spots, seal in a plastic bag, and send to a certified laboratory for identification.
Consider professional assistance for large or hidden infestations. Trained inspectors use canine units, specialized probes, and thermal imaging devices to locate colonies inaccessible to homeowners.
After confirming presence, implement an integrated approach: remove and launder bedding at 60 °C, encase mattresses, vacuum all suspect surfaces, and apply appropriate insecticide treatments according to label directions. Repeat inspections weekly for at least two months to ensure eradication.