How to see bedbugs in a bed? - briefly
Inspect the mattress and linens by pulling back the sheets and closely examining seams, folds, and corners for tiny, flat, reddish‑brown insects about 4‑5 mm long. Also check for dark specks (fecal stains) or shed skins, which indicate recent activity.
How to see bedbugs in a bed? - in detail
Detecting bedbugs in a sleeping surface requires systematic visual examination and strategic use of tools.
Inspect the mattress surface for small, rust‑colored spots that may be excrement, typically found near seams, folds, or corners. These stains often appear as 1‑2 mm dots and may fade when wet.
Examine the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets for similar discolorations, as well as for tiny, oval, reddish‑brown insects about the size of an apple seed. Bedbugs tend to hide in the folds of fabric, so carefully lift each layer and look beneath.
Use a bright, focused light source—preferably a handheld LED torch—to illuminate dark crevices. A magnifying glass or a low‑magnification loupe can reveal the insect’s characteristic flat, oval body and six legs.
Check the bed frame, headboard, and box spring. Focus on joints, screws, and any upholstered material. Bedbugs often congregate in these protected niches, leaving behind shed skins (exuviae) that look like translucent shells.
Place interceptor cups or double‑sided tape around the legs of the bed. These devices capture wandering insects, providing physical evidence without disturbing the infestation.
If any of the described signs are confirmed, isolate the bedding, wash all textiles at temperatures above 60 °C, and consider professional extermination to eradicate the colony.