What do bed bugs look like?

Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm long), oval-shaped, flat, and reddish-brown. After feeding, they swell and become more elongated and darker. Nymphs (juveniles) are smaller, translucent to yellowish, and harder to see. Eggs are tiny white ovals about 1 mm long, often found in clusters along mattress seams and furniture crevices.

Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?

Yes, adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye at about 4-5 mm long. However, nymphs and eggs are much smaller and harder to spot without magnification. A flashlight and a credit card for scraping along seams are the most useful tools for a thorough inspection. Fecal stains and shed skins are often easier to spot than the bugs themselves.

How do bed bugs spread from place to place?

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They spread primarily by crawling into luggage, clothing, used furniture, and personal belongings. They do not fly or jump. Common transmission routes include hotel stays, public transportation, used furniture purchases, visiting infested homes, and shared laundry facilities. In apartment buildings, they can travel between units through wall voids and electrical conduits.

Do bed bugs carry diseases?

According to the CDC, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. The psychological impact of a bed bug infestation, including anxiety, insomnia, and stress, can be significant. Some people have no visible reaction to bites at all, which can delay detection.

How much does bed bug treatment cost?

Professional bed bug treatment typically costs $300 to $1,500 per room, depending on the severity of the infestation and treatment method. Heat treatment, which raises room temperature to lethal levels for bugs, tends to be more expensive ($1,000-$2,500 per room) but often requires only one treatment. Chemical treatments are less expensive initially but may require multiple visits. DIY methods alone rarely eliminate an infestation completely.

Can bed bugs survive in a washing machine?

Bed bugs and their eggs are killed by washing in hot water (at least 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit) and drying on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Cold or warm water cycles may not kill all bugs and eggs. The dryer heat is actually more effective than the wash cycle itself. Items that cannot be washed can be placed in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes, or sealed in a plastic bag and placed in direct sunlight on a hot day.

Bed Bug Checker

Inspect hotels, Airbnbs, or your home for bed bugs with a guided step-by-step checklist. Get an instant risk score, findings summary, and a clear action plan based on what you find.

10-Point Hotel Inspection

Pull back bedsheets

Check for small dark spots (fecal stains) on sheets and mattress pad.

Check mattress seams

Run a credit card along seams; look for live bugs, shed skins, eggs (tiny white ovals).

Lift the mattress

Check between mattress and box spring, especially corners. Live bugs here = major sign.

Inspect headboard

Check behind and around headboard (favorite hiding spot), look in screw holes.

Check nightstand / drawers

Open drawers, check inside and underneath for bugs or dark spots.

Inspect luggage rack

Check metal frame joints and fabric straps for signs of bugs.

Examine upholstered furniture

Check cushion seams, underneath cushions, between arm and seat.

Look at baseboards

Check where wall meets floor near the bed for bugs or dark streaks.

Check behind picture frames

Lift and look behind any wall hangings near the bed.

Smell test

Musty, sweet odor (like overripe raspberries) indicates heavy infestation.

Bedroom Inspection

Mattress seams and piping

Check all seams, folds, and piping along the mattress edges.

Box spring and bed frame joints

Inspect the box spring fabric, staples, and all bed frame joints and crevices.

Headboard and footboard

Check behind, underneath, and in any crevices of headboard and footboard.

Nightstands and dressers

Open all drawers, check inside joints and underneath furniture.

Carpet edges near bed

Peel back carpet edges near the bed and check along baseboards.

Electrical outlets near bed

Check behind outlet covers (turn off power first) — bugs hide in warm spots.

Window curtains and blinds

Check curtain folds, rod brackets, and blind slats near the bed.

Closet (clothes, storage boxes)

Check hanging clothes, storage boxes, and closet corners near the bed.

Living Room Inspection

Couch seams and cushions

Check along seams, under cushions, and in crevices of sofas.

Recliner mechanisms

Check inside recliner mechanisms and fabric folds.

Carpet under furniture

Move furniture and check carpet underneath for bugs or dark spots.

Curtain folds

Check curtain hems, folds, and rod attachments in the living room.

Risk Factors

Recently traveled or stayed in hotels

Bought used furniture recently

Live in an apartment/condo building

Neighbors reported bed bugs

Had visitors who stayed overnight

Bought secondhand clothing

Risk Score

LOW RISK

This checklist provides general guidance. For confirmed infestations, consult a licensed pest control professional.

How to Check for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, typically at night. A thorough inspection is the most reliable way to detect them early, before a small problem becomes a full-blown infestation. Whether you are checking into a hotel room, evaluating a new Airbnb, or investigating suspicious bites at home, a systematic approach is essential. Start with the bed itself since bed bugs prefer to stay within a few feet of their food source. Pull back all bedding and examine the mattress seams, piping, and any folds or tufts where bugs can hide. Use a credit card or stiff piece of paper to scrape along seams, which can dislodge hidden bugs or eggs. A small flashlight helps illuminate dark crevices. Check the box spring carefully, as the fabric underside is a common hiding spot. Move outward from the bed to the headboard, nightstands, and nearby furniture. In hotels, always inspect before unpacking your luggage.

Signs of Bed Bug Infestation

Knowing what to look for makes detection much easier. Live bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4-5 mm), oval-shaped, and reddish-brown. After feeding, they swell and become more elongated. Nymphs (juveniles) are smaller and lighter colored, making them harder to spot. Eggs are tiny white ovals about 1 mm long, often found in clusters along seams and crevices. Fecal stains appear as small dark brown or black spots on sheets, mattresses, or walls, and they smear when wiped with a damp cloth. Shed skins (exoskeletons) are translucent and accumulate near hiding spots as bugs grow through five molting stages. Blood stains on sheets can appear as small reddish smears when a fed bug is accidentally crushed. A heavy infestation produces a distinctive musty, sweet odor often compared to overripe raspberries or coriander. Bites typically appear in clusters or lines on exposed skin, though reactions vary widely between individuals and some people show no visible reaction at all.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs

If you discover bed bugs in a hotel, do not unpack. Request a different room that is not adjacent to or directly above or below the infested room. Inspect the new room before settling in. If you find them at home, avoid the temptation to move to another room or sleep on the couch, as this can spread the infestation. Contact a licensed pest control professional who specializes in bed bugs. While waiting for treatment, wash all bedding and clothing that may have been exposed in hot water (at least 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum the mattress, box spring, bed frame, and surrounding area thoroughly, then immediately seal and dispose of the vacuum bag. Encase your mattress and box spring in bed-bug-proof covers to trap any remaining bugs inside and prevent new ones from entering. Do not discard furniture without professional advice, as this can spread bugs to other areas of your building.

Preventing Bed Bug Infestations

Prevention is far easier and cheaper than treatment. When traveling, always inspect hotel rooms before unpacking using the checklist above. Keep luggage on the metal luggage rack rather than on the bed or floor, and keep suitcases zipped when not in use. Upon returning home, unpack directly into the washing machine and wash everything on hot. Inspect and vacuum suitcases before storing them. At home, reduce clutter around sleeping areas to eliminate hiding spots. Be cautious with secondhand furniture, especially mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered pieces. Inspect them thoroughly before bringing them inside. If you live in a multi-unit building and a neighbor reports bed bugs, proactively inspect your unit and consider preventive treatments along shared walls. Mattress and box spring encasements provide ongoing protection and make future inspections easier by eliminating hiding spots. Regular vacuuming of mattress seams, bed frames, and baseboards helps catch problems early when they are still manageable.