Symptoms
- Small reddish-brown insects, about the size of an apple seed, in mattress seams or bed frame crevices
- Tiny dark or rust-colored spots on sheets or the mattress
- Shed, pale exoskeletons in bedding or furniture seams
- A sweet, musty odor in a heavily infested room
Likely causes
- CommonBed bugs brought in on luggage, secondhand furniture, or clothingThey're excellent hitchhikers and commonly enter homes this way rather than by flying or jumping.
- PossibleSpread from a neighboring unit in multi-family housingBed bugs can travel through wall voids or shared spaces between adjacent units.
- PossibleEstablished infestation that has been growing undetectedPopulations can grow for weeks or months before signs become obvious.
What to do
- Check mattress seams, the bed frame, headboard, and nearby baseboards closely with a flashlight, looking for live bugs, spots, or shed skins.
- Strip and wash all bedding in hot water and dry on the highest heat setting the fabric allows.
- Vacuum the mattress, bed frame, and surrounding carpet or flooring thoroughly, then seal and dispose of the vacuum bag outside.
- Encase the mattress and box spring in a bed bug-proof cover to trap any remaining bugs and prevent new ones from hiding there.
- Avoid moving infested furniture to other rooms, which can spread the problem throughout the house.
- Check adjoining rooms and any secondhand furniture recently brought in for similar signs.
- Contact a licensed pest control professional for confirmation and treatment, since bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate with DIY methods alone.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
- Vacuum
Mattress encasementSearch: “bed bug proof mattress encasement”
When to call a pro
Call a licensed pest control professional experienced with bed bugs, since heat or chemical treatment usually requires expertise most homeowners don't have.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.