One of the most common tell-tale signs of bed bugs on a mattress is the appearance of red, itchy bites on the skin. These bites are usually small, raised bumps that may be in a straight line or clustered together. They can be extremely itchy and may cause a burning sensation. While these bites can resemble mosquito bites, they tend to persist and may appear in a pattern, indicating multiple bites from bed bugs. These bites are caused by the bed bugs feeding on the blood of their human hosts. They inject an anticoagulant and anesthetic into the skin, which allows them to feed without being noticed. The bites may not be immediately noticeable, as they can take up to two weeks to appear. If you wake up with red, itchy bites on your skin, it is a strong indication that you have bed bugs on your mattress.1. Red, itchy bites on the skin
Another tell-tale sign of bed bugs on a mattress is the presence of small blood stains. These stains may be a result of the bed bugs being squished as you move around in your sleep, or from the bites themselves. They can often be found near the seams or edges of the mattress, where the bed bugs may hide during the day. If you notice small, reddish-brown stains on your mattress, it is important to investigate further to determine if they are from bed bugs. You can use a flashlight and magnifying glass to check for other signs, such as bed bug fecal matter or eggs.2. Small blood stains on the mattress
Bed bugs leave behind dark spots or smears on the mattress, which are often a combination of their fecal matter and blood. These spots may appear as small, dark dots or streaks and can be found on the mattress, sheets, or even on your pajamas. If you notice these spots, it is a clear indication that bed bugs have been feeding on your blood while you sleep. It is important to note that these spots may not be immediately visible, as they can blend in with the color of the mattress or bedding. Regularly checking for these signs can help you catch a bed bug infestation early on.3. Dark spots or smears on the mattress
Bed bugs produce a distinct, musty odor that can often be detected in a room where they are present. This odor is caused by the bed bugs' pheromones, which they release to communicate with each other and attract mates. If you notice a strong, unpleasant smell in your bedroom, it is possible that you have a bed bug infestation. This odor may be more noticeable in areas where there is a large concentration of bed bugs, such as on a mattress. If you have a sensitive sense of smell, you may be able to detect this odor even before you see any other signs of bed bugs.4. Musty odor in the room
In severe infestations, you may be able to see the bed bugs themselves on your mattress. These small, reddish-brown insects are about the size of an apple seed and can often be found in the seams, crevices, and folds of the mattress. They may also hide under the mattress, behind the headboard, or in other furniture near the bed. If you spot any bed bugs on your mattress, it is a clear indication that you have a significant infestation and should take immediate action to get rid of them.5. Visible bed bugs on the mattress
As bed bugs go through their life cycle, they shed their skins multiple times. These discarded skins can often be found on the mattress, along with their eggshells. The eggshells are small, white, and oval-shaped and may be found in clusters near where the bed bugs are hiding. Finding these eggshells or shed skins on your mattress is a strong indication that bed bugs have been reproducing and growing their population.6. Eggshells or shed skin on the mattress
In addition to the eggshells, you may also find small, white eggs on your mattress. These eggs are about the size of a pinhead and can be found in the same areas where the bed bugs are hiding. The female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, so finding these eggs on your mattress is a sign of a large infestation. If you notice these tiny white eggs on your mattress, it is essential to take immediate action to prevent a further increase in the bed bug population.7. Small white eggs on the mattress
In addition to blood stains on the mattress, you may also notice red or rusty stains on your sheets or pillowcases. These stains are caused by the bed bugs being squished as you move in your sleep or by their fecal matter. Like the blood stains, these stains may be in a straight line or cluster and can be found near where you sleep. Regularly checking your sheets and pillowcases for these stains can help you detect a bed bug infestation early on.8. Red or rusty stains on sheets or pillowcases
Bed bugs leave behind small, black dots of fecal matter on the mattress, which may be mistaken for mold or dirt. These dots are often found in clusters and may be slightly raised. If you notice these dots on your mattress, it is a sign that bed bugs have been feeding on your blood and leaving behind their waste. Regularly checking for these signs can help you catch a bed bug infestation before it becomes too severe.9. Bed bug fecal matter on the mattress
In addition to the musty odor, some people have reported a sweet, sickly smell in rooms with a bed bug infestation. This smell is often compared to the scent of almonds and may be more noticeable in areas where there is a large concentration of bed bugs, such as on a mattress. If you notice this distinctive smell in your bedroom, it is a sign that you have a significant bed bug infestation and should take immediate action to get rid of them. In conclusion, a combination of these signs is a strong indication that you have bed bugs on your mattress. It is essential to take immediate action to get rid of them before the infestation spreads and becomes more difficult to control. Regularly checking for these signs and taking preventive measures can help you avoid a bed bug infestation altogether.10. Unpleasant, sweet smell in the room