The droppings that bed bugs leave behind are very distinct. That is the best way to know if you have bed bugs. They hide during the day in the mattress, in the bed frame, or in any cracks or crevices in the floor, so you may never see them.
Dark brown to black spotted stains appear on pillows, sheets and other bedding. The telltale piles of dark excrement are left behind on resting sites after they eat.
Bed bugs usually infest homes that are unsanitary, but they can be transported on clothing or infested furniture to well-kept homes. When lights are turned on at night, you will see reddish-brown, football-shaped bugs about 1/4 inch long.
Bed Bugs are nocturnal. During the night they crawl onto a sleeping person, pierce the skin and suck blood. The person may have tiny red spots and itching, similar to a mosquito bite. They are very active and can crawl from room to room during the night.
Goodwill stores, garage sales and hand-me-downs are common ways bed bugs can get into your home. Inspect all furniture you buy carefully, vacuum the furniture, and spray with insecticide before bringing it into your home.
To prevent bed bugs or get rid of them, spray baseboard, cracks and crevices with an insecticide. Spray bed frames and springs with pesticide containing 1 percent malathion or pyrethrin; mist the mattress with same solution but do not soak it. Be sure to wash bedding thoroughly and keep your house clean.