One of the most common early signs of bed bugs on a mattress is the presence of rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses. These stains are caused by bed bugs being crushed while feeding on blood from their host. The stains may also be a result of bed bug excrement, which can contain blood from their meals. These stains may also be found on other surfaces such as walls, furniture, and even clothing. It is important to note that these stains may not always be present, as bed bugs do not always leave behind visible signs of their presence.1. Rusty or Reddish Stains on Bed Sheets or Mattresses
Another telltale sign of bed bugs on a mattress is the presence of dark spots, about the size of a pinhead (•). These spots are actually bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would. These dark spots are often found in clusters or lines on sheets, mattresses, and other surfaces where bed bugs may be present. If you notice these dark spots on your mattress, it is important to take action immediately as it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation.2. Dark Spots (About This Size: •), Which Are Bed Bug Excrement
Bed bugs reproduce quickly and their eggs are one of the earliest signs of an infestation. These tiny eggs are about 1mm in size and are often pale yellow in color. They may be found on the surface of a mattress or hidden in cracks and crevices near the bed. Along with the eggs, you may also find eggshells, which are the remains of the nymphs shedding their skin as they grow larger. These eggshells are also pale yellow in color and may be found near the eggs or in the same hiding places as the eggs.3. Eggs and Eggshells, Which Are Tiny (About 1mm) and Pale Yellow Skins That Nymphs Shed
The most obvious sign of a bed bug infestation on a mattress is the presence of live bed bugs. These pests are about the size of an apple seed and are reddish-brown in color. They are usually found in hiding places near the bed such as cracks and crevices, behind headboards, and in the seams of the mattress. If you spot a live bed bug on your mattress, it is important to take immediate action to prevent the infestation from spreading.4. Live Bed Bugs
As bed bugs feed on their host's blood, they inject saliva into the skin which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This can result in small, flat or raised bumps on the skin, often in a line or zigzag pattern. These bites may also appear in small clusters and can be itchy and uncomfortable. If you notice these bumps on your skin, especially in the morning, it could be a sign of bed bugs on your mattress.5. Small, Flat or Raised Bumps on the Skin
Similar to the previous point, bites on the skin are also a common early sign of bed bugs on a mattress. These bites may appear as red, itchy welts in a zigzag pattern or in small clusters. They are often found on areas of the body that are exposed while sleeping, such as the arms, legs, neck, and face. It is important to note that not everyone will have a reaction to bed bug bites, so the absence of bites does not necessarily mean there are no bed bugs present.6. Bites on the Skin, Which May Appear as Red, Itchy Welts in a Zigzag Pattern or Small Clusters
Bed bugs have scent glands that produce a musty odor. If there is a large infestation on a mattress, this odor may become more noticeable. It is often described as a sweet, musty smell that is similar to the scent of coriander. If you notice a musty odor coming from your mattress, it is important to thoroughly check for other signs of bed bugs.7. Musty Odor from the Bugs' Scent Glands
Similar to the dark spots mentioned earlier, bed bug droppings can also leave behind reddish or reddish-brown stains on fabrics. These stains may be found on bed sheets, mattresses, and other surfaces where bed bugs have been feeding. If you notice these stains on your mattress, it is important to take action immediately as it could be a sign of a large bed bug infestation.8. Reddish or Reddish-Brown Dried Stains on Fabrics Due to Bed Bug Droppings
Bed bugs are excellent at hiding and can be found in various places near the bed, including cracks and crevices, behind headboards, and in the seams of the mattress. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it is important to thoroughly check these areas for bed bug fecal spots, egg shells, or shed skins. These signs may not always be visible, but if you do find them, it is a strong indication of bed bugs on your mattress.9. Bed Bug Fecal Spots, Egg Shells, or Shed Skins in Areas Where Bed Bugs Hide
Last but not least, blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases can be an early sign of bed bugs on a mattress. These stains may be a result of bed bugs being crushed while feeding or from bites on your skin. They may also appear as small, red spots on your sheets or pillowcases. If you notice these blood stains, it is important to take action immediately as it could be a sign of a bed bug infestation. In conclusion, these are the top 10 main early signs of bed bugs on a mattress. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading. Remember to thoroughly check your mattress and other areas near the bed for any signs of bed bugs. 10. Blood Stains on Your Sheets or Pillowcases