How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs in Your Home or Garden: 7 Signs to Look Out For

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. These pests are most commonly found in beds, but they can also infest couches, chairs, and other furniture.

If you have a bed bug infestation, it is important to take immediate action to eliminate the pests and prevent them from spreading. In this article, we will explore some of the signs of a bed bug infestation and how to tell if you have bed bugs in your home or garden.

Look for physical signs of bed bugs

This includes the presence of actual bed bugs or their eggs in the seams, folds, and crevices of beds, couches, and other furniture. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, and oval-shaped, typically found in areas where they can access food. Bed bug eggs are small, white, and roughly the size of a grain of rice, and they are typically found in the same areas as adult insects. You likely have a bed bug infestation if you see any of these physical signs.

Check for bite marks

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. If you have a bed bug infestation, you may wake up with bite marks on your skin that is often found in a line or cluster. These bite marks are typically reddish, raised, and itchy and may appear anywhere on the body, although they are most common on the face, neck, arms, and legs. If you notice any bite marks on your skin, it is worth checking for other signs of a bed bug infestation.

Look for blood stains on sheets and pillowcases

Bed bugs can leave small, red stains on your sheets and pillowcases due to their feeding habits. These stains may be difficult to see, but they can be a telltale sign of a bed bug infestation. To check for blood stains, inspect your sheets and pillowcases for any small, red spots or smears. If you see any stains, it is worth checking for other signs of a bed bug infestation.

Check for a musty, sweet smell

Bed bugs produce a musty, sweet smell characteristic of their presence. The smell is caused by the bed bugs’ scent glands and is often described as similar to the smell of coriander or sweet tarts. The smell may be more noticeable in areas with large numbers of bed bugs, such as in a heavily-infested mattress or couch.

To check for the musty, sweet smell, you may need to get close to the areas where bed bugs are likely to be found, such as the seams, folds, and crevices of your bed, couch, and other furniture. You can also try using your sense of smell to detect the presence of bed bugs in other areas of your home or garden. Not all bed bug infestations will produce a noticeable smell, and the musty, sweet smell does not necessarily mean that you have a bed bug infestation. However, if you notice the smell and see other signs of a bed bug infestation, it is worth eliminating the pests. Learn more on how pest control companies can help you eliminate bed bugs.

Look for small, dark spots on mattresses, walls, and other surfaces

Another sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of small, dark spots on mattresses, walls, and other surfaces. These spots may be bed bug excrement, which consists of digested blood and other materials. The excrement may appear as small, dark spots or smears on surfaces and have a musty or sweet smell. To check for small, dark spots, carefully inspect your bed, couch, and other furniture. Pay particular attention to the seams, folds, and crevices, as these are areas where bed bugs are most likely to be found. You can also check for small, dark spots on the walls and other surfaces in your home or garden. If you see any small, dark spots, it is worth checking for other signs of a bed bug infestation, as this may be an indication that the pests are present.

Inspect used furniture and household items for signs of bed bugs

If you have recently acquired used furniture or household items, it is important to inspect them carefully for signs of bed bugs. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily travel from one location to another on clothing, luggage, and other personal items. The pests can infest your home if you purchase a used couch, bed, or other items that have previously been infested with bed bugs. To inspect used furniture and household items for signs of bed bugs, you will need to look for physical signs of the insects, such as the insects themselves, their eggs, and their excrement. Pay particular attention to the seams, folds, and crevices of the items, as these are areas where bed bugs are most likely to be found.  You may also want to look for small, dark spots or smears on the items, which may be bed bug excrement. If you see any of these signs, it is worth checking for other signs of a bed bug infestation, as this may indicate that the pests are present.

Pay attention to any unusual bites or rashes

If you or a family member experiences unusual bites or rashes, it is worth checking for other signs of a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs bite humans and animals while they sleep, and the bites can cause reddish, raised, and itchy marks on the skin. To check for unusual bites or rashes, pay attention to any changes in your skin that may be related to bed bug bites. If you notice any unusual bites or rashes, it is worth checking for other signs of a bed bug infestation, such as the presence of physical bed bugs or their eggs, blood stains on sheets and pillowcases, or a musty, sweet smell. You likely have a bed bug infestation if you see any of these signs.