Bed bugs are the stuff of nightmares. Tiny, elusive, and incredibly resilient, these pests have made a major comeback in recent decades, invading homes, hotels, dormitories, and apartment complexes across the country. Once inside, they’re notoriously hard to eliminate without professional help. If you’re worried about bed bugs—or want to make sure you never have to be—this guide will walk you through the essentials: how to spot them, how to stop them, and how to protect your home long-term.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, while nymphs (young bed bugs) are even smaller and paler in color. They don’t fly or jump, but they’re excellent crawlers and can move quickly between rooms or apartments through cracks, electrical outlets, and vents.
Despite the name, bed bugs aren’t limited to beds—they can be found in couches, chairs, behind baseboards, inside electrical outlets, and even in luggage. They’re primarily active at night and drawn to the carbon dioxide and warmth we emit while sleeping.
Early Warning Signs of Bed Bugs
Catching an infestation early is key to successful removal. Here are the most common signs:
1. Bite Marks
Bed bug bites typically appear in small clusters or lines, usually on exposed skin such as arms, legs, neck, and shoulders. They often resemble mosquito bites—red, itchy welts—but some people don’t react at all, which can make detection tricky.
2. Blood Stains on Sheets
After feeding, bed bugs may leave behind small rust-colored or reddish stains on your sheets, pillowcases, or pajamas. These stains may be from the bites or from the bug itself being accidentally crushed.
3. Dark Fecal Spots
Look for tiny black or dark brown dots (about the size of a pen tip) on your mattress seams, headboard, walls, or furniture. These spots are bed bug droppings and a sure sign that they’ve been hanging around.
4. Shed Skins and Egg Casings
Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons as they grow. These translucent shells, along with tiny pearly-white egg casings, can often be found in the crevices of your mattress or around furniture joints.
5. A Musty Odor
In larger infestations, a distinct sweet, musty odor may be noticeable. This smell comes from scent glands the bed bugs use to communicate. If you smell something unusual and suspect bed bugs, it’s time to investigate.
How Bed Bugs Get In
Understanding how bed bugs enter your home can help you prevent future infestations. Common entry points include:
- Luggage: Hotels are infamous for bed bugs. They hitchhike in your bags and clothes.
- Used furniture: A free couch on the curb or second-hand mattress could be crawling with bugs.
- Visitors: House guests, especially from infested homes, can unknowingly bring them in.
- Shared buildings: Apartments and condos can allow bed bugs to spread from unit to unit.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you suspect or confirm a bed bug infestation, don’t panic—but do act quickly.
1. Don’t Toss Your Stuff (Yet)
Many people’s first instinct is to throw away mattresses or furniture. That’s often unnecessary and can spread the infestation. Bed bugs can hide in cracks and follow you to your next bed.
2. Isolate the Infestation
Use mattress encasements to trap bugs inside and prevent new ones from getting in. Move your bed away from the wall and keep bedding from touching the floor. Vacuum thoroughly around the room, especially in crevices.
3. Launder Everything
Wash and dry bedding, clothes, curtains, and soft items on the highest heat settings. Heat is one of the most effective killers of bed bugs at all life stages.
4. Call a Professional
DIY sprays and traps may kill some bed bugs but are rarely enough to eliminate an infestation. A licensed pest control provider can assess the situation and use a combination of heat treatments, insecticides, and monitoring tools to fully remove the problem.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
Once you’ve gotten rid of bed bugs, you’ll want to keep them out for good. Here’s how:
- Inspect hotel rooms before settling in. Check mattress seams, headboards, and luggage racks.
- Unpack in the garage or laundry room after travel. Wash everything on high heat.
- Seal cracks and crevices around baseboards and electrical outlets.
- Use protective encasements on mattresses and box springs.
- Avoid picking up furniture from unknown or roadside sources.
Why Professional Help Matters
Bed bugs are incredibly good at hiding. They can live for months without feeding and are resistant to many over-the-counter pesticides. Trying to handle a full infestation alone often results in wasted money, prolonged discomfort, and even spread to others.
At New Day Pest, we take a comprehensive, compassionate approach to bed bug removal. We understand how stressful and invasive these pests can feel—and we’re here to help you reclaim your space quickly, safely, and discreetly.