Bed Bugs: Are They Hiding In Your Bedroom?

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are about the size of an apple seed and can be found in bedrooms, hiding in mattresses, bed frames, and headboards. Bed bugs are not exclusively found in bedrooms, however, and can also infest other parts of the house, such as couches, chairs, rugs, and even inside electronics. They are excellent at hiding and can fit into very small spaces, making them difficult to spot. They are also fast, covering 20 feet in 5 minutes, and can spread from room to room by hitching rides on clothing or crawling through walls and pipes. Bed bugs can cause itchy bites, which may lead to skin problems and insomnia. To prevent and control bed bug infestations, it is important to regularly inspect the house, vacuum, and wash bedding and clothing in hot water.

How to identify bed bugs

Bed bugs are reddish-brown, wingless, and about the size of an apple seed. They are flat with oval-shaped bodies, and can fit into tiny spaces, such as in the seams of a mattress or in electrical sockets.

• Look for physical signs of bed bugs, such as reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed, or dark spots of bed bug excrement.
• Bed bugs like to hide in a variety of places, such as in the piping, seams, and tags of a mattress, and in cracks on the bed frame and headboard. They can also be found in the seams of chairs and couches, between cushions, in the folds of curtains, in electrical appliances, and under loose wallpaper.
• Bed bugs feed on blood, so you may find blood spots on your sheets or mattress.
• Bed bugs lay eggs, which are tiny, pale yellow, and about 1mm in size. You may also find eggshells, which are shed by nymphs (young bed bugs) as they grow larger.
• Bed bugs shed their skin multiple times as they grow, so you may find their translucent, yellowish skins.
• Bed bugs bite their hosts, so you may find small, itchy bites on your skin, often on your arms or shoulders. These bites often appear in clusters, in a straight row or zigzag pattern, but they can also be random.

How to prevent bed bugs from spreading

Bed bugs are small, wingless, oval-shaped insects that feed on blood. They are usually found within eight feet of a bed and can survive in temperatures between 46°F and 113°F. They can be extremely difficult to get rid of, so it's important to take steps to prevent them from spreading. Here are some ways to do that:

Keep Your Bedroom Clean and Tidy

Bed bugs can hide in clutter, clothing, and piles of laundry. Keeping your bedroom clean and clear of clutter can help reduce the number of places they can hide and make it easier to spot them.

Regularly Inspect Your Bedroom for Signs of Bed Bugs

Knowing the signs of bed bugs is important so that you can catch an infestation early. Look for reddish stains on sheets, pillows, or mattresses, dark spots about the size of a poppy seed (bed bug excrement), tiny eggs or eggshells, small yellow skins (exoskeletons), and a musty odour.

Use Protective Covers for Your Mattress and Box Spring

Using special bed bug covers on your mattress and box spring can make it harder for bed bugs to get to you while you sleep. Leave the encasements on for a year and be sure to buy a product that is strong enough to last for a full year without tearing.

Regularly Wash and Heat-Dry Your Bedding and Clothing

Washing your bedding and any clothing that touches the floor, and then heat-drying them, can help reduce the number of bed bugs. Remember to also clean your laundry containers/hampers, as bed bugs and their eggs can hide in them.

Vacuum Your Home Regularly

Thoroughly vacuum rugs, floors, upholstered furniture, bed frames, under beds, around bed legs, and all cracks and crevices. Change the vacuum bag after each use and place the used bag in a tightly sealed plastic bag in an outside garbage bin.

Seal Any Cracks or Crevices in the Walls

Bed bugs can move within walls, through floor and ceiling openings, and on pipes. Sealing any cracks or crevices can help prevent them from spreading through these areas.

Be Cautious When Travelling

Bed bugs can often be picked up or spread when travelling. When staying in a hotel or rental property, inspect the room for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Avoid placing luggage on beds or on the floor; instead, use a luggage stand, or keep your luggage in the bathtub. When returning home, wash and heat-dry your clothing and inspect your luggage before bringing it into the house.

Be Wary of Second-Hand Furniture

Bed bugs can be found in second-hand furniture, so if you do purchase used items, be sure to inspect them thoroughly before bringing them into your home.

Contact a Pest Control Professional

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it's best to contact a reputable pest control specialist. They have the training and expertise to do a comprehensive inspection and recommend the best treatment options.

Where to find bed bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that are about the size and shape of an apple seed. They are wingless and do not jump, but they can crawl rapidly. During the day, they hide in a variety of places, including:

• Mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and headboards
• Cracks in walls, floors, and furniture
• Luggage, clothing, purses, backpacks, or other items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces
• Electrical sockets, walls, and other cracks and crevices
• Seams of chairs, couches, and curtains
• Under loose wallpaper
• At the junction of walls and ceilings

If you want to check for bed bugs, look for physical signs such as:

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed
• Dark spots (about the size of a pen ink stain) of bed bug excrement
• Tiny, pale yellow eggs and eggshells
• Bed bug skins that nymphs shed as they grow
• A sweet, musty odour around your bed

If you find bed bugs or signs of an infestation, it is recommended to contact a pest control specialist for assistance.

What to do if you find bed bugs

Bed bugs are a common problem, but they can be dealt with. Here is a list of things to do if you find bed bugs in your bedroom:

Identify the problem

Firstly, you need to be sure that you have bed bugs. Bed bug bites can be confused with mosquito or flea bites, rashes, or hives. Bed bugs are small, brown, and about the size and shape of an apple seed. They are not dangerous, but their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, and in some cases, people are allergic to them. Look for signs of bed bugs, such as blood stains on your sheets or mattress, small black dots on pillows, sheets, or the mattress, or bed bug eggs, nymphs, or shed skins.

Clean your room

If you have confirmed that you have bed bugs, start by cleaning your bedroom. Be careful not to transport anything out of your room unless it is in a plastic bag or a dissolvable laundry bag that goes directly into the washing machine. Vacuum your mattress, bed frame, bedside table, and the walls and floor near the bed. Pay extra attention to any cracks or seams. Wash your bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest dryer setting.

Apply diatomaceous earth

To prevent bed bugs from spreading to other rooms, apply diatomaceous earth at the perimeter of the bedroom. This will prevent bed bugs from travelling through the baseboards. You can also use bed bug interceptors, which are essential tools for early bed bug detection.

Contact a pest control specialist

Bed bugs multiply quickly, so it is important to get professional help. A pest control specialist will be able to do a comprehensive inspection, determine the extent of the infestation, and recommend the best steps to take to eliminate the bed bugs. They have access to the most up-to-date and effective treatments.

Take preventative measures

To prevent bed bugs from returning, seal any cracks and crevices and any openings where pipes or wires come into your home. Reduce clutter in your bedroom to reduce their hiding places. Wash your bedding regularly and use a protective cover on your mattress and box springs.

How to get rid of bed bugs

Bed bugs are a common problem, but they can be difficult to get rid of. Here are some steps you can take to tackle a bed bug infestation:

Identify the Problem

First, confirm that you have a bed bug problem. Bed bugs are small, brown insects about the size and colour of apple seeds. Signs of an infestation include:

• Bites that appear as red bumps, welts, or blisters on the skin. These bites tend to be extremely itchy.
• Blood stains on sheets or mattresses.
• Small black dots on pillows, sheets, or mattresses, which are actually bed bug faeces.
• Bed bug eggs, nymphs, or shed skins clustered along the seams of the mattress.
• Adult bed bugs, whether alive or dead, found in small spaces along the piping of an infested mattress.

Keep the Infestation from Spreading

Once you've confirmed an infestation, take steps to prevent it from spreading:

• Seal any small hiding areas. Use silicone caulk to fill cracks and crevices, eliminating hiding places and forcing bugs out into the open.
• Remove infested items and place them in sealed plastic bags for treatment or storage.
• Purchase protective covers that seal mattresses and box springs, trapping bed bugs inside.
• Vacuum regularly, especially after treating infested areas, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash container.
• If you need to discard infested furniture, destroy it or mark it clearly to warn others (e.g., rip covers, remove stuffing, or spray paint "Bed Bugs" on the item).

Prepare for Treatment

Before treating the infestation, take the following steps:

• Consult with an extension agent or pest control expert to determine the best course of action.
• Notify your landlord and neighbouring units if you live in an apartment, as they may also be affected.
• Check housing codes and laws in your area to understand your rights and responsibilities.
• Inspect all areas that may be infested, including surrounding living spaces, to determine the extent of the problem.
• Create a schedule for completing treatment and include any personal plans, such as vacations, that may impact the process.
• Keep detailed records of the process, noting dates and locations of infestations, to track progress and target your efforts effectively.

Treat the Infestation

There are several methods you can use to treat a bed bug infestation:

• Heat treatment: Use a clothes dryer on high heat to kill bed bugs. You can also use black plastic bags in a hot, closed car in the sun, but success depends on your climate.
• Cold treatment: Place infested items in a sealed bag in a freezer set to 0°F for at least three days to kill bed bugs.
• Steam cleaning: Use a steam cleaner at a temperature of at least 130°F to treat carpets, baseboards, bed frames, and other furniture. Avoid using a forceful airflow, as this may cause bed bugs to scatter.
• EPA-registered pesticides: Look for products that specifically list bed bugs on the label and follow instructions carefully.
• Foggers (bug bombs): Use with extreme care and only if bed bugs are listed on the label. Improper use can be dangerous and may not effectively reach all hiding places.
• Desiccants: These chemicals dry out bed bugs, and they may be effective in certain situations. Look for EPA-registered products to ensure safety.
• Diatomaceous earth: Spread a light dusting of this powder on surfaces to kill bed bugs. Be careful not to inhale it, as it can be harmful to your lungs.
• Bed bug interceptors: Place these traps under the legs of infested furniture to catch bed bugs and prevent them from climbing.

Evaluate and Prevent Recurrence

After treating the infestation, continue to monitor for bed bugs, including checking interceptor traps, at least once a week. It is important to remain vigilant, as bed bug eggs may remain and hatch after treatment.

Additional Tips

• Simplify and declutter your space: Remove unnecessary furniture and decorations to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
• Wash and dry clothing and bedding: Use the maximum heat setting to kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.
• Vacuum regularly: Pay special attention to cracks and crevices, and vacuum your mattress, headboard, walls, and floors near the bed.
• Isolate your bed: Use a bed-in-a-bag encasement to prevent bed bugs from infesting your bed.
• Hire a professional: Bed bug infestations can be challenging to eradicate, and professional pest control companies have the expertise and equipment to effectively address the problem.

Frequently asked questions