How do I check for Bed Bugs?
#1 Check the bed
- Remove all the sheets, checking for blood spots.
- Stand up the mattress.
- You absolutely must remove the box spring and flip it over.
- Inspect the mattress closely, paying close attention to the seams.
- Inspect inside the box spring and under it (where it meets the bed frame). Shine a flashlight through the bottom of the box spring.
- Check any head and foot boards as well as anything stored under the bed.
#2 INSPECT THE REST OF THE BEDROOM
- Check inside all drawers, crevices, and narrow spaces.
- Look under electronics, behind pictures, and in stacks of clothing.
- Bed bugs are often found hiding in tack strips under wall-to-wall carpeting and behind baseboards.
- Bed bugs tend to crawl up, so check drapes and wall decorations.
#3 CHECK ALL FURNITURE
- Bed bugs hitchhike to the rest of the house! Remove sofa cushion, and check all seams and crevices. Tip back couches and chairs and look underneath, particularly behind skirts.
- Bed bugs can live in the smallest cracks and crevices, typically close to where humans rest and sleep. They can be found behind baseboards, upholstery, and in furniture crevices.
- Other places to check are wall hangings such as picture frames, night stands, stuffed furniture, floorboard cracks, behind loose wallpaper, light switches, door and window frames, conduits, and so on.
- In heavy infestations, wall voids, attics, and other enclosed places could well be hiding bed bugs.
In Hotels inspect the following:
- MATTRESS: Pull back bed sheets and check all the mattress seams, including under the tag.
- HEADBOARD: In addition to live bugs, be on the lookout for tiny black spots (excrement).
- BEDSIDE TABLE: Look in the drawers and along the wall on the side of the bed that is less likely to be disturbed by cleaning staff and guests. If you see powder in the drawers or on the headboard, it is likely that the room has been treated for bed bugs by an exterminator.
- LUGGAGE: Consider keeping suitcases off the floor, like on a luggage stand. When you pack to leave, inspect your luggage carefully. Inspect every item as you pack. Washing clothes in hot water followed by drying on low heat for at least 20 minutes should kill all bed bugs in or on such items.
- IF YOU SUSPECT BED BUGS: Request another room! Be sure to inform hotel management. Do not stay in that room. Repeat the inspection in any new room you are offered.