How to Check for Bed Bugs

Worried you have bed bugs? Here are three signs that you may have a problem:

1. LIVE BUGS + BLOOD STAINS

Bed bugs like hiding in the cracks and creases of items within 15 feet of where you sleep. The easiest place to check for bed bugs is your mattress. Inspect the edges, looking for any live bugs (think the size of an apple seed) or fecal stains (think of a dot from a pen).

2. EGGS AND CASINGS

When bed bug eggs hatch, they shed the egg and turn into nymphs. As the nymphs mature, they require blood to molt and mature. With each molt, they cast off their exoskeletons in order to grow. Check for these in the dark crevices around your bed, such as the cracks of your mattress, box spring, bed frame or joints of furniture.

3. BITES

Remember that not all bites are bed bug bites! Mosquitoes, carpet beetles, allergic reactions are all possible. Three bites in a line doesn’t mean you definitely have bed bugs so ignore the old bed bug adage of ‘breakfast, lunch and dinner.’