Just imagine that you're relaxing at home after a long day when suddenly, you spot a tiny, reddish-brown insect crawling along your mattress seam. Maybe it's nothing.

Or maybe, just maybe, you're sharing your space with a pest you've dreaded for years—bed bugs. Unfortunately, it's a very common reality for countless people, including those who live in apartments. Those nightmare-inducing, blood-sucking critters could be making your apartment their very own all-you-can-eat buffet.

Bed bugs aren't just pests, they're roommates... horrifying, parasitic, rent-free ones. But don't panic just yet! Catching a bed bug infestation early can save you a colossal headache (and your peace of mind). The key is identifying the signs ASAP before these tiny terrors multiply faster than Wi-Fi-connected devices at a house party.

Here's how to play detective and figure out if you've got a bed bug problem—and what to do about it if the answer is yes. Without further ado, here are some of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation.

 

Bite Marks on Your Skin

Have you noticed tiny, itchy red marks on your skin? Bed bug bites are a dead giveaway to an active infestation. These bites often appear in clusters or lines, like the world's itchiest connect-the-dots puzzle. You'll usually find them on areas of skin exposed during sleep, like your arms, legs, neck, or face.

It's important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites the same way. While some folks wake up scratching at obvious welts, others might not even notice a thing. If you're seeing bite marks but brushing them off as mosquito bites, it's time to reconsider.

 

Blood Stains on Your Sheets

If your bed is starting to look a bit like a crime scene, that's another clue that something's amiss. After feeding, bed bugs can leave behind tiny rust-colored or reddish stains on sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses. These stains happen when you accidentally squish a bug in your sleep.

Take a closer look at your bedding—are there mysterious little smears? If yes, it's time to grab a magnifying glass (or at least your phone flashlight) and investigate.

 

Dark Spots on Your Bedding and Furniture

If you've ever spotted tiny black or dark brown dots on your bedding or furniture, that could be bed bug fecal matter. These little spots tend to look like ink stains from a felt-tip pen.

Some common places to spot this delightful evidence include mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and upholstery. If you're seeing these dark spots, it's time to face the facts and call pest control for bed bugs ASAP.

 

Found Exoskeletons or Egg Shells

Bed bugs, like cringey middle schoolers shedding bad fashion choices, molt and leave behind their exoskeletons as they grow. These translucent, shell-like casings are evidence that you're dealing with live critters maturing into bigger, scarier ones.

Add to that the possibility of spotting their tiny white eggs, which are often hidden in hard-to-reach crevices (think mattress seams, furniture joints, and baseboards). If you find these, then that likely means you've just discovered the early stages of a bed bug invasion.

 

A Musty Odor in the Room

Here's one sign of a bed bug infestation that you might not expect—a strong, musty odor. When bed bugs gather in large numbers, they release pheromones that create a sickly-sweet smell. Think of a mix of old gym socks and damp towels—if your room constantly smells off, and you know it's not your gym clothes, it's worth investigating further for other bed bug signs.

The smell tends to be more noticeable during a severe infestation, so don't rely solely on your nose. But if the musty funk is lingering, it's not just in your head—it could be in your mattress too.

 

Spotting Bed Bugs in the Flesh

Now, if you've actually spotted a live bed bug, it's time to admit defeat—these pests have officially moved in. Bed bugs are small (about the size of an apple seed), flat, and reddish-brown in color. After feeding, they may appear puffier and darker.

You'll often find them hiding in mattress seams, headboards, furniture joints, electrical outlets, or even baseboards. If you see one, chances are its friends and family aren't far behind.

Pro tip? Don't squash it—capture it for identification instead. This isn't the kind of souvenir you want, but your exterminator will need the evidence to make an accurate identification.

 

What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation

If all the signs are pointing to a bed bug problem, here's your plan of action to take charge of the situation.

 

Step 1: Confirm the Signs

Before jumping to conclusions, make sure you've identified multiple signs—not just a random stain or one itchy bite. Bed bug infestations are serious, so you'll want certainty before launching into action.

That doesn't mean you should waste any time by putting off a call to the exterminator, but you should try to avoid any DIY treatments without knowing for sure what you're up against. Which leads us to our next point...

 

Step 2: Skip the DIY Sprays

Admittedly, the temptation to grab a bottle of bed bug spray and take matters into your own hands is real. But trust us—most over-the-counter solutions won't cut it. Bed bugs are resilient, and failed DIY attempts can make them scatter, only worsening the problem.

 

Step 3: Call in the Pros

Professional exterminators have the tools, expertise, and experience to completely eliminate bed bugs (and keep them from coming back). Make that call sooner rather than later.

 

Step 4: Contain the Problem

While you're waiting for professional help, take steps to minimize the spread.

• Wash and dry all bedding, clothes, and linens on high heat.
• Seal any infested items in plastic bags until they can be treated.
• Vacuum floors, mattresses, and furniture daily—and immediately empty the vacuum into a sealed bag.

If you're in an apartment, another important step you should take is to alert your property manager or landlord promptly. Bed bugs spread like wildfire in shared living spaces, and tackling the problem building-wide will likely prove to be a smart move.

 

Bye Bye, Bed Bugs

No one wants to deal with bed bugs, but recognizing the warning signs early can save you a lot of headaches (and money). Remember to watch out for bite marks, unusual stains, dark spots, exoskeletons, musty odors, and, worst of all, live bugs.

And whatever you do, don't wait—the sooner you act, the easier it will be to reclaim your home. Call professional pest control today.

 

 

Published 4/4/25