How to Check for Bed Bugs

There’s nothing quite as horrifying as the thought of sharing your bed with creepy crawlies. Bed bugs are every sleeper’s nightmare, and once they settle in, they can be a nightmare to get rid of. If you’re waking up with itchy bites or just want to make sure your bed is bug-free, here’s how to check for bed bugs properly. 

1. Look for bite marks (but don’t rely on them) 

One of the first signs of bed bugs is waking up with small, red, itchy bites, often in clusters or a line. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, and they can sometimes be mistaken for mosquito bites or a rash. So, while bites can be a clue that you have bed bugs, you’ll need more evidence to confirm that it is actually an infestation. 

2. Check your mattress and bedding 

Bed bugs love to hide in the seams and crevices of your mattress. Here’s how to inspect your mattress for bed bugs properly: 

1. Strip your bed down to the bare mattress. 

2. Look closely at the seams, folds, and corners of your mattress for small brown or red stains. Spot any? These could be bed bug droppings or crushed bugs. 

3. Use a torch to check for tiny, apple seed-sized bugs crawling around. 

4. Don’t forget to inspect your pillows and duvet too. 

3. Examine your bed frame and headboard 

Bed bugs aren’t just mattress dwellers; they can also hide in your bed frame, particularly if it’s a wooden one. Look out for: 

• Small, dark spots (bed bug poo) along any joints and cracks on your bedframe. 

• Live bugs hiding in crevices. 

• Shed skin or tiny white eggs (which look very similar to grains of rice). 

4. Inspect nearby furniture 

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, don’t just focus on your bed. Check any furniture close to it too, including bedside tables, skirting boards, and even behind picture frames. Bed bugs love tight, dark spaces, so make sure to be thorough. 

5. Use sticky tape or a bed bug trap 

If you’re struggling to spot them with the naked eye, you could try laying down some double-sided sticky tape around the legs of your bed. This can catch any crawling critters overnight. Alternatively, you can buy a bed bug trap (available from many online multi-seller platforms). This can be used to lure them in and help confirm or disprove their presence. 

6. Check your clothes and luggage 

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can travel in clothes, bags, and suitcases. If you’ve recently stayed somewhere and suspect an infestation, check your clothing seams and suitcase lining for any unwanted passengers.  

Pro tip: Check for bed bugs on these items before you enter your house to avoid bringing them inside. 

7. Use a hairdryer to flush them out 

Bed bugs hate heat, so if you suspect they’re hiding in cracks and crevices, blast the area with a hairdryer. The heat can encourage them to scuttle out, making them easier to spot. 

How to spot bed bugs FAQs 

Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye? 

Yes! Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and can be seen without a magnifying glass. However, their eggs and young nymphs are much smaller and harder to spot. 

What do bed bug droppings look like? 

Bed bug droppings look like tiny dark brown or black specks, a bit like ground pepper or ink spots. You might find them on your sheets, mattress seams, or bedroom furniture. 

Do bed bugs only live in beds? 

No! Bed bugs can hide in furniture, carpets, skirting boards, and even behind wallpaper. Anywhere dark and close to their food source (that’s you, by the way) is fair game. 

Can bed bugs make you ill? 

While they don’t spread diseases (1), their bites can be very itchy and irritating. In some cases, scratching can lead to secondary infections. If you notice any signs of infection, book an appointment with your GP or speak to your pharmacist. 

What should I do if I find bed bugs? 

Act fast! Wash all bedding and clothing on a high heat, vacuum thoroughly, and consider using a bed bug spray. If you do have an infestation, it’s time to call in a professional exterminator. 

How to check for bed bugs: final thoughts 

Bed bugs are sneaky little pests, but with a keen eye and some detective work, you can catch them before they take over your home. Regular checks can help you spot them early and stop an infestation in its tracks. 

And if you have been the unfortunate victim of a bed bug infestation, and are looking for a new bed, mattress, or bedding as a result, pop into your local Bensons for Beds store. There, you’ll find one of our friendly sleep experts who can offer advice on the best bed care products to help minimise the risk of a future infestation. 

Sources:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/bed-bugs/about/index.html