How to Search For Bedbug & Moth Bites on the Body

Insects account for three out of four living species on planet Earth. Bedbugs and moths are mischievous creatures and are present in countless locations. While moths do not bite, bedbugs are notorious for hiding in the tiniest places and crevices in sheets, clothes and other fabric. Searching for bedbug bites on the body is a straightforward proposition, and skin is easily examined following a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Magnifying glass
• Flashlight

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Instructions

• 1

  Look over every area of your skin. Pay close attention to areas of skin -- forearms, biceps, legs, feet, face -- commonly exposed during sleep or while you are outside. Identify parts of skin that are itchy or swollen. Take off your shirt and/or pants and examine hard-to-see areas in a full-length mirror.

• 2

  Inspect abnormal welts or bumps on the skin. Scrutinize any abnormal spots from as small as a pinhead to as large as a fingernail. Check all spots for a red color. Notice any skin rashes surrounding the bumps. Press on the area around the bump to see if there is any pain. Use a flashlight and/or magnifying glass for closer inspection.

• 3

  Examine your clothes for evidence of bedbugs. Look for bedbug excrement in the form of miniature black dots. Examine sleeves, zippers, button casings and collars for tiny, round brown shells when searching for discarded bedbug remnants. Detecting areas of clothes with evidence of the insect miscellany helps ensure the accurate determination of which insect caused a bite mark.