Pro Tip: How to Know If You Have Bed Bugs (Even When You Can’t See Them)
Bed bugs are masters of hiding. They squeeze into tiny cracks, seams, and crevices — often disappearing long before you realize they’re there. That’s why the first signs of a bed bug problem usually aren’t the bugs themselves, but the clues they leave behind.
At Sleep Tight Pest Control, we remind Chicago homeowners and renters of one key fact:
ProTip: Because bed bugs themselves are very hard to spot, the best way to know whether you have an infestation is to look for bites on your skin or rusty marks on your sheets.
Let’s break down what that really means.
1. Look for Bite Marks on Your Skin
Bed bug bites often appear in small clusters or straight lines, especially on areas exposed while sleeping — like arms, shoulders, neck, and legs.
They can be:
-
Red and itchy
-
Slightly swollen
-
Sometimes mistaken for mosquito or flea bites
While not everyone reacts to bites, consistent new marks each morning are a strong sign that bed bugs are feeding overnight.
2. Check for Rusty or Dark Stains on Bedding
Those “rusty marks” you see on your sheets or mattress corners are often bed bug droppings or crushed bugs after feeding.
Inspect:
-
The seams of your mattress and box spring
-
Pillowcases and bedding
-
The area behind your headboard or along baseboards
If you notice small, dark, rust-colored spots — it’s time to schedule an inspection.
3. Other Subtle Clues of Bed Bugs
Even if you haven’t seen them, you may also notice:
-
Tiny eggshells or shed skins near furniture joints
-
Musty, sweet odor around your bed area
-
Live bugs the size of an apple seed (reddish-brown and flat)
Why Bed Bugs Are So Hard to Find
Bed bugs are nocturnal and hide during the day — often inside outlets, cracks, mattress seams, or even screw holes. By the time you notice visible signs, the infestation may already be spreading.
That’s why early detection is critical, especially in dense areas like Chicago, where they can spread quickly through apartment walls and shared heating systems.
What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs
If you notice any of these signs:
-
Don’t start spraying random products — it can make the problem worse.
-
Avoid moving furniture between rooms.
-
Call a licensed bed bug exterminator immediately.
At Sleep Tight Pest Control, we use a combination of propane-powered heat treatment and chemical applications to eliminate all life stages — eggs, nymphs, and adults — in a single visit.
Our team serves Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, and surrounding suburbs with same-day inspections and guaranteed results.
Schedule a Free Bed Bug Inspection
Don’t lose sleep wondering if it’s bed bugs — find out for sure.
📞 Call (773) 240-5932 or
💻 Book online at SleepTightPestControl.com
Let Sleep Tight help you rest easy again.
