Content

• Steps

We often hear about bed bugs, but few people are aware of their bites. In fact, you cannot identify the bites of bed bugs unless their presence is determined. Look for characteristic insect bites or red spots on the skin. To make sure it's a bed bug bite, you must look for signs that bed bug is actually present in the area where you sleep.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Check for the bite

1. 

   Examine the bite carefully. Look for red, raised, pin-shaped nodules with a diameter of about 0.2-0.5 cm. You may also see hives or bumps that are noticeably more pronounced than the surrounding skin.In more rare and severe cases, blisters larger than 0.5 cm may also appear on the bite.
   • 1 cm equals 0.4 inch.

2. 

   
   
   Look for new bed bug bites when you wake up. If you notice new bites or itchy blisters when you first wake up, you probably have bed bugs in your sleeping area. Observe if the bites look like mosquito bites or flea bites - bed bug bites are usually redder and slightly more swollen, itchy and uncomfortable similar to bites from other insects. Find a series of bites that appear in random rows or clusters. This is because bed bugs often bite several times during the night.
   • If new bites appear during the day, perhaps the culprit is not bed bugs.

3. 

   
   
   Notice where you were bitten. Look for open skin bites while you sleep. You should also check underneath loose clothing. Note that bed bugs usually do not bite under the soles of the feet, so soles of the feet bites are less likely to be caused by bed bugs.

4. 

   Watch for signs of allergy. If you are allergic to bed bugs, you may find yourself having hives or a rash similar to eczema or a fungal infection. You should also watch for a larger swelling, painful swelling, or even discharge of pus. These are common signs of an allergy to bed bug bites.
   • Note that it can take up to 2 weeks for your body to fully respond to a bed bug bite.
   • Consult your doctor if you have had a severe reaction to the bite.
   advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Check the bed

1. 

   
   
   Find bed bugs that live in bed. Look for flattened, reddish-brown, wingless bugs, about 0.1-0.7 cm in size. Check the creases of mattresses and bed sheets for bed bugs. Look for the peels of the bed bugs that have peeled off. Look for either tiny white bedbug eggs or shells, only about 0.1 cm large, or bed bug larvae the same size as eggs.
   • Remember that 0.4 cm equals 1/10 of an inch.

2. 

   Check the bed sheets. Look for reddish-brown or rust-colored stains on the sheets. These stains can be caused by crushed bed bugs or their waste. Try brushing on the red or dark spots you see on the bed. If they become smudged or spread, it is likely bed bug droppings.

3. 

   Examine your bed frame. Look for signs of bed bugs on your bed frame and the space between the frame and the wall. You should also look for bed bugs around your headboards. Check the contours, seams and labels attached to the sheets, the mattress and the spring mattress. Be sure to check both the inside of the pillowcase and the decorative pillow on the bed if you have one.

4. 

   Assess the condition of the bed. In less extreme cases, bed bugs can be present even if you don't see them with the naked eye. Take into consideration both the age of the mattress and the cleanliness of the sheets. If you are staying in a hotel, check to see if the mattress is covered with plastic fabric. If not, the risk of bed bugs is much higher. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Look for other signs of bed bugs

1. 

   Look for signs of bed bugs in other furniture. Examine under the seat cushion, take a close look at the seams on the seat and sofa. Check all drawers for seams.

2. 

   Check out other dimensions. Look for bed bugs under loose wallpaper and pictures on the wall. Look closely at electrical outlets and the contiguous lines of walls and ceilings, walls and floors. You should also look for bed bugs in the drapery folds.

3. 

   Smell suspicious spots of bed bugs. Look for a slightly sweet, musty, smell that resembles coriander or stink bugs. If the area with the suspect smells like a damp old house or any of the odors described, bed bugs are probably present. advertisement