How To Check for Bed Bugs

Ready to inspect your home for bedbugs?
1. With the lights off and starting with the area closest to the bed, visually inspect using a good, strong flashlight. Check the mattress and pillow seams thoroughly.
2. Check for dark brown or reddish blood spots from the bed bug fecal droppings on all bedding surfaces (sheets, comforters, dust ruffles, mattresses, pillows).
3. Slowly (and carefully – enlist help if you need to) lift the mattress or box spring off the frame. Check the underside of the box spring – the most common hiding place for bed bugs. Remember, that fine mesh lining the bottom of your box spring is no match for bed bugs wanting to hide inside.
4. Check the top and underside of the frame carefully. This is a particularly favorite place for bed bugs as it is close to its blood meal (you) and is an undisturbed and well hidden location on the bed.
5. Look in all the cracks and crevices near the bed. This means on the floor, walls and ceiling. Check under chair cushions, behind hanging pictures, around and inside electrical outlets, behind and under dressers, mirrors, along floorboards, etc. Clutter on the floors, closets, bookshelves, etc are all good hiding places.  Inspect these areas methodically and carefully.
6.  Inspect yourself and your family. Bed bugs typically, but not always, bite in a straight line. The bites appear red and swollen and may have a small dip in the middle, much like a mosquito bite. Be aware it is difficult, even for professionals, to diagnose that a bite is indeed from a bed bug. And remember, not all family members will show signs of bed bug bites, even though they are being fed upon.