Bedbug Indications

According to the Mayo Clinic, prior to the ban on dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a previously accepted pesticide, bedbugs (reddish-brown, oval and flat) were all but nonexistent. However, the Mayo Clinic reports that, recently, there has been an increase in cases of bedbugs, which are difficult to detect and to eliminate.

Odor

• The Harvard School of Public Health reports that a remarkable coriander-like odor may be present in rooms heavily infested with bedbugs.

Rash

• Red and itchy bites located on the face, neck, arms and hands present after sleeping in an affected bed may also be an indication of bedbugs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bites typically present themselves in a rough line or group.

Stains

• Bloody smears on the bedding are indications of accidentally crushed bedbugs that have become engorged with blood, and fecal matter the color of dark brown or red can be seen appearing as spots throughout the linens, mattress or walls adjacent to the bed.

Exoskeletons

• After molting, bedbugs produce a light-brown exoskeleton, which can be seen during a survey of bedding, indicating a bedbug infestation.