What are the signs that there are bedbugs at home? - briefly
Look for tiny reddish‑brown spots on bedding, mattress seams, and furniture, as well as live insects about the size of an apple seed, especially after feeding. Additional clues include a sweet, musty odor and itchy, clustered skin bites, often arranged in a line or group.
What are the signs that there are bedbugs at home? - in detail
Bed‑bugs reveal their presence through several observable clues.
- Small reddish‑brown spots on sheets, mattresses, or furniture. These are fecal stains that appear as dark specks, often near seams or folds.
- Live insects about the size of an apple seed, flat and oval. Adults are 4–5 mm long; nymphs are lighter and smaller. They may be seen crawling on bedding, walls, or baseboards, especially after a night of feeding.
- Molted exoskeletons left behind as the insects grow. These translucent shells are typically found in crevices, under mattress tags, or in seams.
- Blood‑stained sheets or tiny rust‑colored spots on pillowcases. The stains result from the bugs’ feeding on human skin and can appear as a smear or a pinpoint drop.
- A sweet, musty odor produced by the insects’ scent glands. The smell is most noticeable in heavily infested areas and may be described as similar to coriander or a damp, moldy scent.
- Bite marks on the skin, often in clusters or linear patterns. Bites may be red, itchy welts that appear a few days after feeding. While not exclusive to bed‑bugs, the arrangement and timing can help differentiate them from other insects.
Inspecting mattress edges, box‑spring seams, headboards, and furniture joints for these signs can confirm an infestation before it spreads further. Early detection enables prompt treatment and reduces the risk of widespread contamination.