Bed bugs can be hard to find because they are small and hide during the day. Bites alone are not enough to confirm bed bugs because reactions vary and can look like bites from mosquitoes, fleas or other pests. Look for physical signs near beds and resting areas.
Look for these three signs
Dark fecal spots
Small brown to black stains left behind after feeding. These may appear on mattresses, bedding or furniture seams.
Shed skins
Light-colored outer skins left behind as young bed bugs grow.
Eggs or egg shells
Tiny, white, oval signs that bed bugs may be reproducing nearby.
Inspection tools
- Flashlight
- Flat card or similar tool to check seams and cracks
- Tweezers and a labeled zip-top bag if you want to collect a specimen
What to do next
Do not move items from a room with suspected bed bugs into other rooms. Seal suspected items in plastic bags until they can be inspected or treated. Bed bugs are difficult to eliminate without help, so contact a licensed pest management professional with bed bug experience.
