Skip to content

Your partner for Pest Management Professionals since 1933

Tips and Tricks

Tips to identify bed bugs

Mel Whitson, of Zoecon, provides tips on how to identify bed bugs to catch the infestation early.

Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products
Mel Whitson

No audio available for this content.

Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products
Mel Whitson, Senior Field Technical Service Manager, Zoëcon Professional Products

Whether they’re in a home, office or hotel, bed bugs are a major pain. It also can be challenging to identify a bed bug infestation in its early stages. Bed bug bites can resemble bites from a range of different insects. It’s crucial to catch an infestation early, before the job becomes more time-consuming and costly, and before bed bugs have a chance to spread to other locations. Keep in mind the following:

  • Check cracks and crevices, especially in the seams and tags of mattresses or cushions.
  • Take a smell test: Adult bed bugs produce a musty-sweet smell.
  • Adults are long, brown and flat — or balloon-shaped and reddish-brown if recently fed.
  • Bed bugs can leave rusty-colored spots on bed sheets.
  • Bed bug eggs are very small, about the size of a head of a straight pin.

Let customers know that taking precautions against bed bugs can save them a lot of headaches down the line. Simple things, like inspecting second-hand furniture for bed bugs before bringing it into the house, or checking the luggage rack in hotels to prevent unwanted carry-ons, can make a huge difference.