How to Inspect for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that feed on humans. Often found in mattresses, they can hide anywhere as long as they are able to feed. According to bed-bugs.com, bed bugs are attracted to warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide, which is what we exhale when breathing. If you suspect an infestation of bed bugs, there are ways to inspect your home and yourself.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize a bed bug. According to bed-bug.org, an adult bed bug is about 1/5 inch long, oval and flat and generally brown, except after sucking blood. After feeding, the body becomes swollen and the color changes to a dark red.

• 2

  Purchase a pair of gloves at your nearest grocery or drug store. This is important to prevent bed bug bites on your hands and to prevent the bugs from traveling onto your arms.

• 3

  Thoroughly check your bed, preferably outside or in a garage to prevent infestation to other parts of your home.Techletter.com says you should strip back the covers and look for bloodstains and bed bugs in seams. Check the box springs, frames and covers, paying close attention to seams and creases.

• 4

  Use a flashlight to check the rest of the bedroom, including furniture, cracks and crevices, wallpaper, clothing and any item inside your bedroom. Although bed bugs typically nest in and around the bed, they can turn up anywhere.

• 5

  Inspect the rest of the house. Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and any furniture or wall in your house may house bedbugs. Check for dark brown fecal matter, crawling insects, bloodspots and cast skins.

• 6

  Use a vacuum while inspecting for bed bugs. Every spot you inspect should be vacuumed. This clears the area for inspection and decreases the amount of bed bugs and eggs lying around.

• 7

  Call an exterminator if you find a bed bug infestation. There are a few options to handle your own pest control, but calling on a professional is recommended for an extensive inspection and extermination.