How to Spot a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bug infestations have been on the rise since the early 1990s. Unfortunately, these pests are easily transferred and therefore can infest a home or apartment in no time. Because bed bugs are infamously difficult to eradicate, it is critical that you know how to spot a bed bug infestation when touring homes and house hunting.

Tips for Spotting a Bed Bug Infestation

Inspect-It 1st’s corporate office is based out of Cleveland, OH which is the top city in the United States for bed bug infestations. That being said, we know a thing or two about how to spot a bed bug infestation. Equip yourself with these tips to spot a bed bug infestation when you’re house hunting for your ideal home.

1. Where to Look

Although bed bugs are most commonly found in and on mattresses, they may also be found in hiding places like appliances, furniture, drawer joints, curtains, under loose wallpaper, around electrical outlets, and more. If you’re house hunting, the owners may not appreciate your checking their mattress seams and box springs for bed bugs. However, keep an eye out for more obvious signs of these pesky pests. If you choose to make an offer, a professional home inspector can get into the nooks and crannies to determine whether or not there is an infestation.

2. What to Look For

When touring a home, keep an eye out for common signs of bed bug infestations like:

• Molted skins;
• Fecal spots;
• Musty odors;
• Live bed bugs;
• Small eggs; and
• Blood stains.

If you have reason to believe a home you’re touring has bed bugs, notify the realtor or owner immediately. Do not touch any walls or furniture, and do not set any of your belongings down.

3. What If There’s an Infestation

Although a bed bug infestation is certainly not ideal when house hunting, it doesn’t mean that the house in question is off the table. With proper pest control and removal of all affected items, the home could be pest free before you know it.

Because remediating infested areas can be costly and inconvenient, it’s always a good idea to hire an inspection service when putting an offer on a house. Contact your nearest Inspect-It 1st for a pre-purchase buyer home inspection. Our professional inspectors have years of experience inspecting homes and spotting pest infestations like bed bugs.