The First Red Flags in Bed Bug Detection

Because bed bugs are very small and relatively shy, they may not be noticed for quite awhile. That lack of attention doesn’t mean they are just lying dormant; if anything, they are multiplying in droves and settling in to what could become a large problem. Therefore, when it comes to bed bug detection, early discovery is key. Luckily, there are key signs to actively be on the lookout for as these “red flags” can make all the difference in a easily rectified short-term annoyance versus a costly, long-term plague. 

Sign 1: Waste – While they may not be that easy to see, bed bug detection can start with what the insects leave behind – their waste. This includes droppings in the form of dark spots on bedding, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. These dark spots can be solid feces or blood stains. There may also be rice-size debris that could be their eggs or shard skins. If you see quite a few waste spots, it likely means you already have bed bugs. 

Sign 2: Smell – Although this may not be something you could, as a human, detect, you could enlist the service of a bed bug dog as these specialized sniffers can identify the critters with a very high percentage rate. In fact, their rate of bed bug detection is the highest among all bed bug confirmation methods. 

Sign 3: Bites – It may take a few days for them to show up but bites along your hands, arms, neck and face that become very itchy and look like small red bumps resembling mosquito bites could be an indication of bed bugs. These are often brushed off as outdoor bug bites but, if you haven’t been outside or around places where mosquitoes congregate like standing water, then you could potentially have bed bugs. 

Sign 4: Sighting – While it is very rare to actually spot a bed bug, it is possible - especially if you look at night with a flashlight and magnifying glass. Focus your inspection on common hiding places for bed bugs, such as holes, cracks and crevices, mattress folds, linens, carpets and curtains. You can leave out tape with the sticky side up as well in their potential pathway around a bed as they will get stuck.  If you find one, you can bet your bottom dollar he or she has plenty of friends that have also taken up residence with you.

In Review 
Here is a wrap-up of the main points in this blog post:

• Bed bugs are difficult to detect, but there are specific signs to be on the lookout that could indicate you have an infestation. 
• Waste products are the best sign and include multiple dark stains on bedding and upholstered furniture.
• Bites on arms, hands, and necks can be another sure-fire sign.
• It is difficult to actually catch a bed bug red-handed but if you inspect at night with a flashlight and magnifying glass, you may catch sight of one or a colony.
• Using a bed bug inspection dog can reveal another sign, which is the scent of a bed bug, something dogs are very accurate at detecting down to uncovering bed bug lairs.

About The Author

Jeremy Ecker has worked in the pest control industry for the past 17 years. The last 8 years was spent as a Vice President of one of the most well respected regional Pest Control Companies in New York. He is part of a NESDCA Certified Dog Team