A bed bug infestation can be an absolute nightmare to deal with, so it’s crucial to know the early signs of bed bugs.
The sooner you catch them, the easier it is to keep the problem from exploding into a full-blown infestation.
Because bed bugs are sneaky and tiny, understanding what to look for gives you the upper hand.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Baby bed bugs (nymphs) are nearly invisible. They are tiny, pale, and fast-moving. Adult bed bugs are about the size of a flaxseed and can swell to the size of an apple seed after feeding. They are flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown.
They’re often confused with spider beetles, carpet beetles, and cockroach nymphs, so spotting confirmation signs of bed bugs is key.
To learn more about them, check in with the Centers for Disease Control.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
If you’ve ever had a bed bug infestation, they may seem like they appear out of nowhere. But bed bugs usually spread from other infested areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can pick them up without knowing; they hitchhike like pros.
They’re common in:
-
Hotels
-
Multi-unit buildings
-
Shared accommodations
-
Public transportation
As long as people come and go, bed bugs travel with them.
RELATED: Bug Bites 101: 10 Common Bites and What They Could Mean
How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
Though bed bugs don’t like to wander and can’t fly, it’s easy to pick them up from somewhere that’s infested. They can reside in furniture, clothing, bags, and luggage.
They can hide in:
If you live in an apartment, bed bugs can spread from unit to unit through walls, electrical outlets, and vents.
RELATED: Bed Bugs: 10 Places Where They Hide & How To Stop Them
5 Early Signs of Bed Bugs
These are the early signs of bed bugs pest experts say show up first:
1. Small Bloodstains On Your Sheets
When you roll over a bed bug after it feeds, it can leave rust-colored specks or smears on sheets and pillowcases.
2. Dark Droppings or Black Dots
Bed bug droppings look like tiny pepper-like dots that may bleed into fabric like marker stains.
Check:
-
Mattress seams
-
Bed frame joints
-
Headboards
3. Empty Shell Casings
As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons. These casings are translucent, yellowish, and found near hiding areas.
4. Pearly White Eggs
A pregnant bed bug lays 1–7 eggs per day. Their eggs are pin-sized, sticky, and found on flat or hidden surfaces.
If you see eggs → there’s already a nest somewhere.
5. Seeing Live Bed Bugs
If you spot one…there are more.
Experts say seeing a single bed bug usually means a bigger infestation is already happening.
What About Bites?
Bites are not a reliable early sign of bed bugs. They look like mosquito bites, and reactions differ from person to person — some people don’t react at all.
How to Check for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs don’t like to move around during the day, so they often find comfortable hiding spots and hunker down. That means your best bet for catching an early infestation is by seeking them out. When they’re not feeding on humans, bed bugs can be found in various places.
Top hiding spots include:
-
Mattress seams and box spring edges
-
Cracks in bed frames and headboards
-
Under cushions and couch seams
-
Electrical outlets and baseboards
-
Behind the wall decor and loose wallpaper
-
Inside drawer joints
Use a flashlight and a card to scrape along seams.
The EPA has this helpful guide for finding bed bugs.
FAQ: Early Signs of Bed Bugs
What is the first sign of bed bugs?
Tiny blood spots or dark droppings on bedding are usually the earliest signs of bed bugs before bites even appear.
Can you have bed bugs without seeing bites?
Yes. Some people don’t react to bites, making other early signs of bed bugs even more important to catch.
Do bed bugs only live in beds?
No. They hide in furniture, walls, and even electronics. Beds are just prime feeding territory.
How fast do bed bugs spread?
Very fast. Females can lay hundreds of eggs, and the bugs migrate to find new hosts.
Should I throw out my mattress if I have bed bugs?
Not at first. Treatment + encasements often solve the issue. Tossing a mattress might cause bugs to spread elsewhere unless a professional handles it.
If you need professional help with a bed bug infestation, check out the National Pest Management Association.
Final Word on Bed Bugs
Nobody wants to battle bed bugs, but if you know the early signs of bed bugs, you can shut them down early.
Wash bedding on high heat, vacuum thoroughly, and call a professional if needed.
When in doubt? Don’t wait.
