How to Detect Bed Bugs Before It's Too Late

How to Detect Bed Bugs Before It's Too Late?

When it comes to bed bugs, timing is everything!

The earlier you catch them, the easier — and cheaper — it is to get rid of them. Unfortunately, many infestations go unnoticed for weeks or months because people miss the subtle clues. Here’s how to detect bed bugs early, before they turn your home into a nightmare.

1. Know the Signs of Early Infestation

• Tiny reddish stains on sheets or pillowcases (crushed bugs)

• Dark pepper-like spots (feces) around mattress seams, box springs, headboards

• Shed skins or empty exoskeletons

• Itchy welts in clusters or rows on arms, legs, or back — often appearing overnight

• A faint, musty odor — from pheromones released by large populations

2. Inspect Like a Pro

Bed bugs are excellent hiders. Use a flashlight and credit card to check:

• Mattress seams and tags

• Inside box springs

• Behind headboards

• In cracks, baseboards, and electrical outlets

• Inside couches, chairs, and fabric folds

Tip: Remove sheets and vacuum around bed frames weekly if you suspect any signs.

3. Use Interceptors or Monitors

Install bed bug interceptors under each bed leg — these are simple devices that trap bugs trying to climb up or down the bed.
You can also use active lures with CO₂ or pheromones to attract them. These tools are often used by professionals for early-stage detection.

4. Travel Caution = Home Protection

Most bed bugs arrive after travel. Always:

• Inspect hotel beds before sleeping

• Keep luggage on bathroom tiles — never on the bed or carpet

• Wash all clothes on hot and dry immediately upon returning

5. Don’t Wait. Confirm.

If you’re unsure, contact a professional who can:

• Conduct a canine bed bug inspection

• Use advanced heat detection tools

• Provide a written report and treatment plan if needed

Final Word

Bed bugs are relentless, but catching them early can make all the difference. If you notice even one suspicious sign, don’t wait. Confirm it and act fast. A small issue today can become a full-scale infestation in just weeks.

Think you’ve spotted the signs?

Call Accord Extermination for a no-obligation inspection and sleep peacefully again. (438) 875-3567