Check mattress seams, piping, tags, and tufts for live bugs, shed skins, eggs, and black fecal spots
Inspect box springs, bed frames, headboards, and screw holes
Look along baseboards, cracks, and crevices near the bed
Examine nearby furniture, curtains, and upholstered items
Use a flashlight to inspect hidden areas in daylight
Look for small rust-colored stains on sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses
Check for tiny white eggs and pale shed skins
Search for live bugs, especially at night or after disturbing the bed
Monitor for itchy bites in clusters or lines on exposed skin
Place bed bug interceptors under bed legs to detect activity
Use a credit card or thin tool to probe seams and cracks
Inspect luggage, clothing, and secondhand furniture after travel or purchase
Consider a professional inspection if signs are unclear