Possible Signs & Symptoms of Bed Bugs

The following are common signs of bed bugs and can be symptoms of a possible infestation:

Small red to reddish brown fecal spots on mattresses, upholstery or walls

Fecal spots are one of the most common signs of bed bugs on a mattress, wall, or upholstery such as a couch or chair.

Molt bed bug skins, their white, sticky eggs or empty eggshells

If you notice molted bed bug skins, sticky eggs, or empty eggshells, we recommend contacting a pest control professional immediately.

Signs of Bed Bug Bites: Red, itchy bite marks, especially on the legs, arms and other body parts exposed while sleeping

According to NPMA's Bugs Without Borders survey, bites are the most commonly reported sign of an infestation, according to 92 percent of respondents. More than half of people reach out for treatment after discovering signs of bed bug bites and welts on their bodies. Although some people immediately develop a skin reaction to bites, others may take two to three days before showing obvious symptoms or any symptoms at all, meaning that people could be unaware of a bed bug problem until a full-blown infestation has taken root.

Very heavily infested areas may have a characteristically sweet odor

Although the actual bite of bed bugs is painless, most people develop an allergic reaction to the saliva (which also acts as a numbing agent) injected by the bug as it feeds. Swelling and itchy, red welts can be a symptom of a bed bug infestation. However, some people do not have reactions to bed bug bites at all. In addition, bites from other insects, such as mosquitoes, are often mistaken as bed bug bites. Unlike many other pests, bed bugs are not known to spread disease to humans.

If you notice signs and symptoms of bed bugs or suspect you have a bed bug infestation, it is important to contact a licensed pest control professional to confirm the infestation and recommend a course of treatment.