Bed Bugs: How to Spot Them & What to Do About It

How to spot bugs near the bed and on bed bug victims during an infestation

Co-authored by Kevin Carrillo

Last Updated: January 13, 2024 Approved

Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Bed bugs don't just live in beds, but in luggage, furniture, and even shoes.^{[1]
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Research source} Bedbugs are not dangerous and don't typically transmit disease, though some people have allergic reactions to them or get secondary infections from scratching bites.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist

Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.} You may even have an emotional reaction to the gross factor of bed bugs, which is completely normal. You can recognize bedbugs by identifying the insects and checking for other signs of them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Identifying the Insects

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Check for a flat, oval shape. Look at any bugs you find and see if the body has a flat and oval shape.^{[3]
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Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist

Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.} Then check the thickness of the bug. Bedbugs are usually flat, oval-shaped, and about the thickness of a credit card.^{[4]
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices

Go to source} Adults are about the size of an apple seed and while juveniles are the size of a poppy seed, but both have the same shape and width.^{[5]
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State of New York
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- Bedbugs may be swollen and larger after feeding.
- Don't worry if you can't actually see the bedbugs - this is very typical. Infestations are usually diagnosed by the appearance of bites on a person's skin, not by seeing the bedbugs.
Look at the color of the bugs you see. They may range from reddish to a tan color. Adult bedbugs are usually a shiny, rusty red color. Juveniles are often a translucent tan color. Some bedbugs may even have darker spots on their back.^{[6]
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Adult and juvenile bed bugs don't have wings. Check any bugs you see for visible wings or anything that folds onto their bodies. Avoid confusing the typical accordion-like folds on the bodies of adult and juvenile bedbugs for wings.^{[7]
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State of New York
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Count the bugs' legs. Check the bugs and figure out how many legs they have. Bedbugs have six legs.^{[8]
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State of New York
Official website for the State of New York

Go to source} Their legs are usually closer to their heads and eyes. Avoid counting the two antennae as legs.^{[9]
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- You may need a magnifying glass to do this, as bedbugs are very small.
At the top of the bug's head, look for two antennae that protrude from near the eyes. The antennae will be shorter than the bedbug's legs.^{[10]
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Look at the front of the bug's body near the antennae. Bedbugs have small, dark and protruding eyes.^{[11]
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Use a magnifying glass to find bedbug eggs. If you find adult and juvenile bedbugs, use a magnifying glass to check the area for bedbug eggs or eggshells. Check for little brown or yellowish-white dots that are about the size of a grain of salt and an elongated shape.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
Pest Control Specialist

Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.} Look for the following other signs that can indicate bedbug eggs:^{[13]
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State of New York
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- Small specks that adhere to surfaces, like bedsheets, which you can't shake or brush off.
- If the eggs have already hatched, they'll leave eggshells on surfaces if already hatched.
Three developmental stages of bedbug may infest a space: adult, juvenile, and eggs. Each has a slightly different appearance, so looking for all three if you suspect an infestation can help confirm if you have bedbugs.^{[14]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Checking for Other Signs of Bedbugs

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Scan your skin for bite marks. Bedbugs are most active at night and you may wake up with itchy bites on any part of your skin. A bedbug can bite anywhere on your body, but your face, neck, arms, and hands are the most common spots. Bedbugs will often bite your feet first, both on the soles and on the tops of your feet. They may also bite folds of skin, such as around the armpit or groin. Check any itchy areas of your skin for the following signs:^{[15]
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- Red spot with darker red area in the middle
- Itching
- Bites or bumps arranged in a rough line or cluster
- Blisters or hives at the bite spot^{[16]
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Inspect mattresses and textiles for reddish stains. Any time you clean or change linens or even suspect a bedbug infestation, look for reddish or rusty-colored stains. Check areas on which you sleep especially closely. These stains can indicate crushed bedbugs and may signal an infestation.^{[17]
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
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- Don't limit your inspection to clothing and bedding. Check your mattress, the fabric of furniture, suitcases, and any other places where bedbugs can quickly grab on to your skin for a meal. It's unlikely they'll be on your suitcase, but it's worth checking to be sure.
- If you're staying at a hotel, check the sheets of your bed.
- Stains will remain even after sheets have been washed well.
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Identify signs of bedbug excrement. Look on white- or cream-colored textiles and furniture for dark spots that are about the size of a pencil head. See if the spots have bled out into the fabric. These may be bedbug excrement and signal an active infestation.^{[18]
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
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- It may be difficult to see these spots on colored furniture or in suitcases, due to their dark color.
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Detect bedbugs in their hiding spots. You may also recognize bedbugs by checking their typical hiding spots. This can not only help you identify a potential infestation but also what you should look for in other spaces of your home, office, or accommodations. Look in the following typical hiding places of bedbugs:^{[19]
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
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- Near piping
- Seams and tags of mattresses and box springs
- Bed frames and headboards
- Seams of chairs, couches, and between cushions
- Folds of curtains
- Drawer joints
- Electrical appliances

Expert Q&A

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Question

What bugs are commonly mistaken for bed bugs?

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo

MMPC, Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

The list is long, as it is very common to mistake other bugs for bed bugs. The most common bugs include carpet beetles, cockroach nymphs, Shiny Spider beetles, and book lice.

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Question

Can you have bed bugs and not see them?

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo

MMPC, Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

Bed bugs, nymphs, and all of their forms are 100% visible to the human eye as long as you have proper lighting. Bed bug eggs are also visible and are usually the size of a pinhead. Ideally, you want to have a good high powered flashlight to inspect for bed bugs. Check for bugs in your bed and all the cracks and crevices in your home.

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Question

How do you kill bed bugs?

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo

MMPC, Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

Once you find bed bugs, they are pretty easily killed. You can remove bed bugs by either vacuuming and disposing of the vacuum bag or through Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Make sure to use alcohol that is at least 80%.

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Tips

For a stubborn infestation, call an exterminator. Having professional help can also minimize the risk of reinfestation from lingering bugs.^{[20]
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Kevin Carrillo
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Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.}

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To get rid of bedbugs, wash your clothes and towels in hot water. Buy new sheets and pillows and change your mattress if possible.

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Be as through as possible when you are diagnosing, and especially when treating a bed bug problem, so it doesn't become an infestation that you can not handle. Take your time and follow all the steps because you would hate for it to get worse.

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Warnings

Bedbugs are excellent travelers. Inspect any textiles before bringing them into your home. When you travel, look for bedbugs or signs of them in locations you're staying.

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Adult bedbugs can survive for several months without a host to feed on.

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