Bed Bug Signs & Symptoms

Bed bugs can live for months without food. That can allow them to live in empty buildings. Even though they are called "bed bugs," they can actually be found in virtually any area of a home. Bed bugs can live in small cracks in furniture, corners of drawers, the edge of carpets, the folds of drapes or any number of places, existing virtually unnoticed. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of bed bug infestation is crucial to stopping an infestation.

Characteristics

• While they can be hard to see, visually spotting a bed bug is one of the most obvious signs of an infestation. In order to recognize that sign, though requires knowledge of bed bugs. Bed bugs look similar to small roaches or ticks. Bed bugs have flat, oval shaped bodies. Bed bugs are non-flying insects. Adult bed bugs range in size from a little less than 1/4 inch (25mm) to a little over. Juvenile bed bugs can be as small as 6/100 of an inch (1.5mm).

Signs of Infestation

• If a bed bug infestation is suspected, an inspection can be performed. Sometimes the actual bed bugs might not be found, but evidence of infestation will be revealed. Check cracks and crevices on or near beds and other hidden areas, like behind wallpaper, in the back of picture frames or even in clothing. Strange dark staining could indicate fecal matter. Tiny egg cases might be found. In addition, bed bugs shed their skin at times, leaving the shedding behind.

Bumps

• Small red bumps on the skin are often signs of bed bug bites. Bed bugs are mostly nocturnal, so these bumps will usually occur while the victim is sleeping. The bites can be raised or even flat. Bed bug bites will be small. One rather unique indication of bed bug bites is the existence of several small bumps arranged in a row. That indicates multiple locations where blood was drained by the bed bug for feeding.

Other Signs of Bites

• Many times bed bug bites go undetected because the actual bites aren't seen. Redness and swelling are common signs of bites. Itching is also known to be a symptom of bed bug bites. If scratched, infection of the affected area can occur. Generally the bites will be confined to areas of the body that were exposed during sleep. Many bed bug infestations remain undetected because the bites are confused for mosquito or flea bites.