Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Gather a flashlight, magnifying glass, and a light-colored cloth or paper.
- Inspect mattress seams, tufts, and tags, then check the box spring and bed frame.
- Examine nearby furniture, baseboards, and electrical outlets within a few feet of the bed.
- Collect any suspected bugs, shed skins, or fecal spots on the light-colored surface.
- Seal the specimen in a small container or zip-top bag for professional identification.
- Avoid moving items to other rooms until you have a plan to prevent spreading.
Where to Look for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are experts at hiding. They prefer tight spaces close to where people sleep or rest. Start your inspection in the bedroom, but don't stop there. Check any area where people spend extended time, such as living room couches and chairs.
Use a flashlight and a magnifying glass to examine cracks and crevices. Look for live bugs, which are small, flat, and reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed. Also look for tiny pale eggs, shed skins, and dark fecal spots that look like pepper flakes.
- Mattress seams, tufts, and tags
- Box spring corners and dust cover
- Bed frame joints, headboard, and footboard
- Nightstands and dressers, especially inside drawers and corners
- Baseboards, carpet edges, and electrical outlets near the bed
What Evidence to Collect
Physical evidence is key to confirming bed bugs. Do not rely on bites or skin reactions alone, as they can be caused by many other things. Collect actual specimens or clear signs of infestation.
Place any suspected bugs, shed skins, or eggs on a light-colored cloth or piece of paper. This makes them easier to see and photograph. Dark fecal spots can be smeared with a damp cloth; if they leave a reddish-brown streak, it may be digested blood.
- Live or dead bed bugs (adults or nymphs)
- Shed skins (translucent, empty exoskeletons)
- Eggs (tiny, white, about 1mm, often in clusters)
- Fecal spots (dark, ink-like stains on fabric or wood)
- Blood smears on sheets or pillowcases
How to Contain Specimens Safely
Once you find a suspected bed bug or evidence, contain it carefully. This prevents escape and preserves the specimen for professional identification. Do not crush the bug, as that can make identification harder.
Use a small, sealable container like a pill bottle or a zip-top plastic bag. Place the specimen inside and seal it tightly. Label the container with the date and exact location where it was found. Store it in a safe place away from living areas until you can show it to a professional.
- Use a small, clear container or zip-top bag
- Gently coax the bug onto a piece of paper and slide it into the container
- Seal the container completely to prevent escape
- Label with date and location found
- Do not use tape or adhesives that can damage the specimen
After the Inspection: Next Steps
After you have collected evidence, avoid disturbing the area further. Do not move furniture or belongings to other rooms, as this can spread an infestation. Keep the evidence secure and contact a pest management professional for confirmation.
A professional can identify the specimen and assess the extent of the problem. They will recommend a treatment plan based on the inspection findings. Remember that bed bug control often requires multiple steps and follow-up visits.
- Do not move infested items to other rooms
- Keep the collected evidence in a sealed container
- Contact a licensed pest management professional for identification
- Ask about integrated pest management (IPM) approaches
- Prepare a list of questions about treatment options and preparation
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Did you inspect all seams and crevices of the mattress and box spring?
- Did you check behind the headboard and along the bed frame?
- Did you examine furniture within a few feet of the bed?
- Did you look along baseboards and carpet edges?
- Did you collect a physical specimen or clear photographic evidence?
- Did you seal the specimen in a container with a date and location label?
- Did you avoid moving items to other rooms?
- Did you contact a professional for identification and next steps?
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Can I identify bed bugs from bites alone?
No. Bites or skin reactions are not reliable for identifying bed bugs. Many other insects and skin conditions can cause similar marks. Physical evidence is needed for confirmation.
What if I don't find any bugs but still suspect an infestation?
If you have unexplained bites or other signs but no physical evidence, consider other possible causes. A professional can use monitoring devices or a trained dog to help detect hidden infestations.
Should I throw away my mattress if I find bed bugs?
Not necessarily. Discarding furniture can spread bed bugs and may not solve the problem. A professional can advise if treatment or encasement is a better option.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- Getting rid of bed bugsU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Evidence, treatment preparation, and long-term IPM; bites alone do not diagnose.
- Do-it-yourself bed bug controlU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Label-compliant low-risk steps and dangerous-method warnings.
- Introduction to Integrated Pest ManagementU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Multi-step prevention, monitoring, and control principles.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.