How Can I Tell If We Have Bedbugs?

There are several signs of a bedbug infestation, which include bedbugs in the folds of mattresses and sheets, bed bug exoskeletons after molting, bedbug eggs, pinhead-sized white ovals, rust-colored blood spots on bedding or furniture, a sweet/musty odor, fecal spots, and others.

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, brown, oval-shaped insects that feed on blood. Their bites cause itching and irritation in humans. Bedbugs are considered to be a public health pest, but they do not transmit or spread disease. 

Bedbugs are small and hide easily, and they are typically carried from place to place during travel. Bedbugs can enter a home undetected through luggage, clothing, used furniture such as beds or sofas, and other household items. They tend to live in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards and bite people during the night.

Signs of a bedbug infestation include:

• The appearance of bedbugs in the folds of mattresses and sheets
• Bed bug exoskeletons after molting
• These are often yellowish-brown, translucent exoskeletons 
• Bedbug eggs
• Pinhead-sized, pearly white ovals around 1 mm in length
• Rust-colored blood spots on mattresses, sheets, or furniture
• Sweet, musty odor
• The scent of bedbug pheromones is sometimes described as similar to the scent of raspberries, coriander, cilantro, or almonds
• A severe bedbug infestation can have an odor similar to rust, wet towels, or moldy laundry
• Fecal spots
• Tiny, dark brown or black spots about the size of the tip of a pen 
• After fabric is washed, it may look like magic marker stains
• Often clustered around areas they live, but may also be found on sheets and clothing

Symptoms of bedbug bites include: 

• Small, red, itchy bite marks that happen while sleeping 
• Bite marks may occur on the face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, and other body parts
• May occur as clusters of 3 or 4 bites in a line (the so-called “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern)
• Bite marks can take up to 14 days to appear
• Bedbugs feed at night and their bites are may not be felt or noticed until redness and itching occur

Bedbug bites are diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination. A doctor will ask about the presence of bedbugs in the home. Signs of bedbugs in the home along with bite marks are usually enough to make a diagnosis. 

Bedbug bites can resemble other skin conditions, and if the patient has seen no signs of bedbugs in the home, a doctor may do tests to rule out other causes of the bite marks.

Bedbugs infest objects such as mattresses and furniture, so the infestation needs to be treated. There are no medications or shampoos to treat bedbugs in humans. 

Treating a bedbug infestation is complicated, often involves the use of pesticides, and it can take weeks to months to completely eliminate them from the home. Contact a pest management professional to treat extensive infestations. 

Treatment for bedbug bites is aimed at relieving symptoms and includes: 

• Home remedies 
  • Washing bites with soap and water to prevent skin infection and help reduce itching
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) corticosteroid cream to relieve itching
• For itching
  • Antihistamines
  • Corticosteroids
• For severe allergic reactions
  • Antihistamines
  • Corticosteroids
  • Epinephrine (adrenaline) 
• For infection 
  • Excessive scratching can lead to infections and sores
    • Antiseptics to prevent infection 
    • Antibiotics to treat infection