Check mattress seams, tufts, and tags
Inspect box springs and bed frames (especially joints and crevices)
Look along headboards and behind wall-mounted items near beds
Examine upholstered furniture near sleeping areas
Check cracks in nightstands, dressers, and nearby baseboards
Inspect curtains and curtain hems near sleeping areas
Use a flashlight to inspect dark areas and hidden seams
Use a credit card or flat tool to gently pull apart seams and fabric folds
Look for live bed bugs (small, flat, oval, reddish-brown)
Look for shed skins (light tan, translucent casings)
Look for dark spots (fecal matter) on fabric and surfaces
Look for tiny pale eggs or eggshells in crevices
Check luggage seams, straps, and folds after travel
Inspect clothing stored near sleeping areas
Check backpacks, chairs, and couches used for sitting or resting
Place interceptors under bed legs to detect activity
Monitor with bed bug traps near the bed and along travel paths
If possible, use a magnifying glass for eggs and small debris
Repeat checks weekly if you suspect activity
Contact a licensed pest control professional if you find signs of bed bugs or cannot confirm after thorough inspection