How to Check for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs, those tiny, elusive pests, have a knack for disrupting our cherished comfort. Often associated with unclean environments, it may surprise many that these critters can infest even the cleanest of homes. If you’ve ever questioned the presence of bed bugs in your home, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to spot them before they become a significant nuisance.

 

1. Understand the Culprit

Before embarking on your inspection, it’s essential to know what you’re seeking. What do bed bugs look like –  Bed bugs are small, flat, and reddish-brown in colour, growing up to 5mm in length – roughly the size of an apple seed. They are nocturnal pests, making the night their prime time for activity.

2. Key Signs to Look Out For – what do bed bugs look like

Bed bugs, while sneaky, do leave traces of their presence. Key indicators include:

• Small reddish or rusty stains on your sheets or mattress, often a result of crushed bugs.
• Tiny dark spots (about this size: •), which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.
• Bed bug eggs or eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow.
• Adult bugs or the smaller, pale nymphs (young bugs).

3. Starting Your Inspection

While the bed is the most common place to find these pests, it’s not the only one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Bed Area:

• Begin by removing your bed sheets, duvet cover, and any protective layers. Inspect each thoroughly, paying close attention to seams and folds.
• Examine your mattress closely, especially the seams, tufts, and any folds or crevices. A torch can be handy here.
• Check the bed frame, headboard, and footboard, particularly if they are wooden, as bed bugs love to hide in cracks of wood.

Furniture Surrounding the Bed:

• Inspect bedside tables, especially in drawer joints and any cracks or recesses.
• Scan other furniture in the room, such as chairs, wardrobes, and dressers, focusing on seams, cracks, and folds.

Walls and Carpets:

• Check the edges of carpets and where the wall meets the floor. If wallpaper is peeling, inspect behind it too.
• Inspect wall fixtures, electrical sockets, and behind hanging pictures or posters.

4. Beyond the Bedroom

Though named ‘bed bugs’, these critters aren’t confined to the bedroom. Inspect sofas, cushioned chairs, the seams of curtains, and even between couch cushions. Anywhere humans rest or sleep can be a haven for these bugs.

5. Tools to Aid Your Search

Equipping yourself with a few tools can make your inspection both easier and more thorough:

• A Torch: Shine light into crevices and dark corners, making bugs more visible.
• A Credit Card: Use its edge to run along cracks, potentially scooping out hidden bugs.
• Sticky Tape: Can be used to pick up any suspicious bugs or eggs for closer examination.

6. Preventative Measures

While spotting bed bugs early is vital, prevention is always better. Consider using protective covers for your mattresses and pillows, reducing hiding places for the bugs. Regularly vacuuming your bedroom, especially around the bed area, can also keep these pests at bay.

7. Act Swiftly

If you confirm the presence of bed bugs, swift action is key. While small-scale infestations can sometimes be treated by homeowners, professional extermination is often the safest and most effective route.

In conclusion, while the thought of bed bugs might make one’s skin crawl, knowing how to spot them early ensures they don’t rob you of your peace of mind. Regular checks, especially after travelling or receiving second-hand furniture, can make all the difference. Stay vigilant and keep the comfort of your home uncompromised.