You may have noticed itchy welts on the skin, blood stains on the sheet or have seen an insect in the house you suspect is a bed bug. The first thing to do is to correctly identify the pest and do a bed bug inspection. Inspect the bedroom first. The pests tend to stay as close as possible to the host’s resting area.
If after inspecting the bed you discover the infestation is severe the next place to inspect is the perimeter of the room. In severe infestation, the pests tend to move away from the bed to other locations.
What to look for
a. Blood stains
b. Dark faecal spots
c. Eggs, eggs shells, cast off skin
d. Bed bugs (adult and nymphs)
e. A pungent mouldy shoes or sickening sweet Bug Detection Devices odour from an oily liquid discharged from the glands in the thorax
Inspection tools
a. A strong flashlight
b. Magnifying glass
c. Plastic zipper bag
d. Crevice tool
e. Compressed air
f. Screwdriver
g. Small tool kit
h. Alcohol, cotton swabs/baby wipes
i. Sticky traps
j. Gloves, soapy water, cloth and sponge
k. Mirror with handle
l. A notepad
m. A camera
n. Adjustable spanner
o. Hammer
Inspect the perimeter of the room
a. Remove all wall hangings (e.g. mirror, paintings, pictures etc.) and inspect them.
b. If framed photos or art are on the wall open the frames and inspect inside and underneath the paper backing.
c. Check behind loose wallpaper and peeling paint.
d. Remove curtain rods and examine them carefully.
e. Check underneath hardware on the walls.
f. Inspect all door frames inside the room including the bathroom, closet and other door frames.
g. Inspect inside the bore hole for the latch on each door.
h. Inspect ceiling lights and fixtures. If bed bugs are found in ceiling lights it may indicate they are moving from the upper floor unit.
If you find bed bugs on the wall they may be hiding under ceiling mouldings, in smoke detectors and in thermostats.
In an established infestation, bed bugs will spread throughout the perimeter of the room (walls, mouldings and rugs) and hide in clutter on the floor and underneath the bed.
i. Inspect mouldings and where the floor joins and examine the walls closest to the bed. Swipe the crevice tool in an upward motion behind mouldings to chase bed bugs out of the harbourage.
j. Gently fold back the edges of wall-to-wall carpet and look for the pests. Pay attention to the tack strip of carpets.