Signs of Bed Bugs: What to Check at Home

Bites are a reason to investigate, but they do not identify bed bugs. Start with evidence: a clear photograph or a safely contained insect is more useful than guessing from a skin reaction.

Reviewed September 16, 2026.​

Look around mattress seams, the bed frame, headboard and nearby furniture. Live insects, shed skins and dark spotting can warrant a closer inspection. Bed bugs can hide beyond the mattress, so replacing the bed does not resolve a room or building problem by itself.

Do not rush to throw furniture away

Many items can be treated or managed as part of a plan. Carrying uncovered furniture or loose belongings through the building can spread the problem. Ask what should be kept, isolated or discarded before moving things between rooms.

Avoid rubbing alcohol, improvised heaters and other home remedies. Follow preparation instructions for the treatment actually proposed. For heat-tolerant washable items, ask how to bag, dry and store them so they are not mixed back with untreated belongings.

If you rent, notify the property manager. Access to nearby units or shared areas may be relevant, and one resident cannot coordinate that alone. Ask how results will be checked after the initial work.

To discuss a possible bed bug problem in Northern New Jersey, call (201) 798-0087 or use Request service. Tell us where you found the signs and whether the property is a house, apartment or commercial building.

Source: EPA bed bug identification and control guidance.

Related bed bug guidance

See the bed bug guide for an overview, our travel checklist for luggage precautions, and the home-remedy article for approaches to avoid. Contact our team to discuss the signs at your property.