Signs of bed bugs: what to look for
A plain guide to spotting bed bugs, from bites to stains, with a simple way to check your bed.
Bed bugs are small and good at hiding, so the signs can be easy to miss. This guide shows what to look for, where to look first, and what to do if you find something.
Quick answer: the five signs
- Itchy bites, often on skin that is uncovered at night
- Dark spots or stains on sheets, pillows and the mattress
- Shed skins, which look like pale, empty shells
- Tiny whitish eggs in seams and cracks
- Live bugs, about the size of an apple seed, reddish-brown and flat
One sign on its own is not proof. Several together make bed bugs very likely.
What do bed bug bites look like?
Bites are usually red bumps or flat welts that itch. They often appear on the face, neck, arms and hands. Bites can take a week or two to heal, according to HealthLink BC.
Can bites alone confirm bed bugs?
No. Reactions vary a lot. HealthLink BC notes that some people do not react to bites at all, while others get a small skin reaction. Fleas, mosquitoes and other insects can leave similar marks. Use bites as a reason to look, not as a diagnosis.
If your pets are scratching too, fleas are more likely. Rule them out by reading about bed bugs and their lookalikes.
What does bed bug staining look like?
Look for dark spotting on sheets, pillows, mattresses, bed frames and nearby carpet. These marks come from bed bug droppings and from blood left when a bug is crushed. They look like small ink dots that can smear if you rub them.
Where do I check first?
Bed bugs stay close to where people sleep. York Region’s checklist points to mattress seams, creases and tufts. Check the bed first, then work outward.
Mattress seams
Pull the sheets back and look along the piping and folds. Check labels and tags too.
Headboard
Look in cracks, screw holes and where the headboard meets the wall. Remove it from the wall if you can do that safely.
Box spring
Turn it over carefully and look under the fabric cover and along the wooden frame.
Beyond the bed
Bugs also hide in couches, upholstered chairs, nightstands, baseboards, behind wall hangings and in outlets and small electronics. University of Kentucky entomologists list these among common hiding spots. Check the places nearest to where you sleep or sit longest.
Do-it-yourself check: flashlight and card method
- Strip the bed and put the bedding straight into a bag.
- Use a bright flashlight and a stiff card, such as an old gift card.
- Run the card along seams and crevices to push out anything hiding.
- Look for bugs, shed skins, whitish eggs and dark spots.
- Repeat on the headboard, frame, box spring and nearby furniture.
- Wash and dry the bedding on high heat afterward.
Do this in good light. Eggs are about the size of a speck of dust, so a magnifying glass helps.
Do bed bugs have a smell?
In a heavy infestation some people notice a musty or sweet smell. Most homes have no smell at all, so it should not be your test.
What else looks similar?
- Fleas: jump, are smaller, and bite ankles and legs.
- Carpet beetles: rounder, with patterned shells, and are often found near windows.
- Mosquito bites: usually appear on exposed skin, one or two at a time, and often outdoors.
If you cannot tell, Peel Public Health advises contacting them to confirm if the insect is a bed bug. A professional inspection can also identify it.
What to do if you find bed bugs
- Stay calm. Bed bugs are a nuisance and not a sign of a dirty home.
- Do not use foggers or move things between rooms.
- Wash and dry bedding on high heat. Seal it in a bag.
- If you rent, tell your landlord in writing.
- Learn how to prepare for bed bug treatment.
- Arrange for professional help. See our bed bug treatment page for how we do it.
We help people across Ontario, including with bed bug help in Toronto.
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Common questions
Are bite marks enough to diagnose bed bugs?
No. Some people do not react to bites at all, and bites from fleas or mosquitoes can look similar. Bites are a clue, not proof. Finding bugs, shed skins or dark stains near where you sleep is a much more reliable sign.
What about a single bug found?
Keep it. Put it in a sealed container or tape it to a card, and take a clear photo. One bug can be a stray or the first sign of many. Check the bed and furniture carefully, and ask a professional to identify it if you are unsure.
Can bed bugs hide in electronics?
Yes, small gaps in alarm clocks, outlets and other items near the bed can hide them. They prefer places close to where you sleep. Do not take electronics apart. Tell your technician so they can check those spots safely.
How early can I detect them?
Early signs are subtle, such as a few dark spots on a sheet or a shed skin on the mattress seam. Checking your bed every few weeks, and after travel, helps catch a small problem before it grows.
Should I call my landlord first?
If you rent, tell your landlord in writing as soon as you find evidence, and keep photos and dates. Health Canada says tenants should tell their landlord right away. You can also ask us for a quote while that is being sorted out.
Do bed bugs have a smell?
A very heavy infestation can have a sweet, musty odour, but most do not smell at all. Do not rely on smell. Look for bugs, shed skins and dark spots instead.
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