How to Know if You're Sleeping with Bedbugs

How to Know if You're Sleeping with Bedbugs: The Smell, Stains, and Telltale Signs of an Infestation

The suspicion that you might be sharing your bed with bedbugs is a horrible thought. Bedbugs are sneaky, resilient pests that can turn your peaceful bedroom into a nightmare if they go undetected. At Evans Pest Control, we know how crucial it is to catch an infestation early — before it gets out of hand. Here’s what you need to know about the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs bedbugs leave behind.

1. An Unfamiliar Smell
One of the most overlooked clues of a bedbug infestation is a distinct odor. People often describe it as musty, sweet, or slightly rotten — like wet, moldy clothes left in a hamper too long. This smell comes from bedbugs' scent glands and becomes more noticeable as the infestation grows. If you catch a strange odor in your bedroom that cleaning and fresh air don't fix, it might be time to investigate.

2. Mysterious Stains on Your Sheets
Bedbugs leave behind physical evidence on your bedding:
• Rust-colored stains: These are small spots of blood, either from bedbugs feeding or being crushed while you move in your sleep.
• Dark ink-like spots: These are bedbug droppings, and they can seep into fabric like tiny permanent marker stains.
• Tiny pale shells: Bedbugs shed their skins as they grow, and you might find these delicate casings around mattress seams or headboards.

Regularly inspecting your sheets, mattress, and pillowcases for these signs can help you spot trouble early.

3. Red, Itchy Bites — Often in a Pattern
Waking up with itchy red welts? Bedbug bites typically appear in small clusters or lines. They often target exposed areas like arms, legs, and neck while you're sleeping. While everyone reacts differently (some people don’t react at all), if you notice new bites in the morning — especially in a trail-like pattern — it’s a strong hint that bedbugs might be feeding on you at night.

4. Live Bedbugs or Their Hiding Spots
Bedbugs are masters of hiding. During the day, they squeeze into tiny crevices near where people sleep. If you're hunting for them, check:
• Mattress seams and tags
• Box springs
• Headboard
• Bed frames
• Cracks in the wall or flooring
• Behind loose wallpaper or electrical outlets

Adult bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed — flat, oval, and reddish-brown. A flashlight and a careful eye can reveal them, especially along the edges and hidden corners of your bed.

What to Do If You Suspect Bedbugs:

Finding any of these signs means it’s time to act fast. DIY treatments can work but rarely work long-term and can even make infestations worse by driving bugs deeper into hiding. Professional treatment is essential. At Evans Pest Control, we specialize in discreet, thorough bedbug inspections and customized treatment plans that eliminate infestations — so you can sleep easily again.

Don't let bedbugs take over your home. If you suspect you have a problem, call Evans Pest Control today for a consultation!