How Do I Know if I Have Bed Bugs?

Rentokil Boecker® Answers

I’ve been waking up with bites lately. How do I know if I have bed bugs?

One of the most common signs of a bed bug problem is waking up with itchy bites or noticing small reddish-brown insects near your bed. Bed bugs are small, flat pests that hide close to where people sleep, making bedrooms their primary hiding place. They are commonly found in mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, furniture joints, and along nearby baseboards.

Because bed bugs are nocturnal, you may not see them during the day. Instead, most people first notice the signs they leave behind. Bed bugs tend to stay close to their food source and rarely travel far unless the infestation becomes more severe.

Common signs of bed bugs include:

• Small reddish-brown insects around the bed or mattress
• Itchy bites that appear overnight, often in clusters or lines
• Tiny dark spots on sheets or mattresses from droppings
• Shed skins or empty shells near hiding areas
• Small white eggs or eggshells in mattress seams and cracks
• A musty odor in heavier infestations

Unlike outdoor pests such as ticks, bed bugs are indoor pests that usually spread through luggage, furniture, clothing, or shared living spaces. If you continue spotting signs despite cleaning, a professional inspection may be needed to confirm and treat the infestation effectively.